In college I had a Marketing Professor who introduced me to a well known business fable story, “Who Moved My Cheese” written by Dr. Spencer Robinson. The text describes change in one's work and life, and four typical reactions to those changes as experienced by two mice and two "little people," during their hunt for cheese. The message and metaphors from this story really struck a chord with me and to this day prepare for what challenges and opportunities would lie ahead in my professional career, definitely worth a quick read. Change is inevitable and can be viewed as positive or negative, it will take you out of your comfort zone and how you approach these changes can make the difference in your happiness personally, and success professionally. But no industry, organization or individual contributor is immune from change in workplace. However, the difference from successful organizations and individuals in their understanding that changes are happening all the time, they anticipate these changes, adapt and move forward. Those who don’t get left behind or get stuck in situations that they are unhappy with due to their reluctancy to change and adapt. So incorporate the following steps to handling change: Change Happens Accept that fact, there is no avoiding it. We are in a world of constant change, and with the advancements in technology and access to information ability to adapt and change in necessary for businesses and their employees to survive and grow. So what must one do? Anticipate Change Change can come out of nowhere and force you to react; so master your craft and have a plan. Understand your industry and what factors (internal or external) that are going on daily that may impact how or why you are doing what you do today. If you aren’t ahead of the trends you’ll be playing catch up and your competition will be watching you in their rearview Monitor Change Read, study, learn, and know your competition. Seek additional training outside of work hours to grow professionally; talk to others in your network on what their experiences and challenges they are facing are and how they’ve dealt with those changes Adapt to Change Quickly Sure you may be successful in your current role, and why change what’s not broken some would say. But that is the danger that often too many people fall victim too and find themselves behind the ball when their peers who accept and adapt quicker to changes. If you’ve done the prior steps above, change won’t feel so uncomfortable, you’ll welcome it as you will be prepared Change Just do it! Step out of your comfort zone, you’ll find so many more opportunities to take advantage of Enjoy Change! Savor the Adventure! When it comes down to it, although sometimes scary, change tends to work out to be a great thing! Be Ready to Quickly Change Again and Again Don’t get complacent! John Maniscalco - Recruiter/Account Manager