Flexibility is the Key to the Game

Image by apesara via Flickr

How do you deal with change? Can you make changes on the fly? What keeps you from having a more liquid approach?

I think the hardest industry that is constantly dealing with change is the restaurant business. Especially those that spend their entire day waiting on customers. For example, recently we stopped in to our favorite Mexican restaurant and was seated immediately. Five minutes after we arrived we received a call that there would be others joining us. At that time, we notified our server, who graciously moved us to a larger table.

Without any reservations, the staff did everything they could to accommodate our request. All we had to do was wait for our additional guests to arrive. However, we waited and waited and eventually was informed that they wouldn’t be joining us. Talk about feeling like an idiot! There was nothing we could do, but apologize. We where surprised that even though we completely messed up their system, they continued to serve us with excellent service. They reassured us that change happens and that they completely understood.

Flexibility is the Key to the Game

The biggest challenge for entrepreneurs, creative types and those that don’t live in the land of make-believe, is dealing with change. While there are people that have no problem with change, there are also individuals that can have serious set-backs when faced with new challenges. As one that is open to change, as long as I can schedule it, I have learned a few tips that help during moments of uncertainty.

1. It’s not personal, it’s just business.
2. Don’t stall. Get informed quickly and get back up to speed.
3. Don’t focus on negativity. Look at the positive side of what the change may bring.
4. Stay flexible so that you can move quickly and leverage the new opportunity.
5. Always try to see the big picture.

Being flexible has advantages that only come when you learn to go with the flow. Most of my successful career moves have happened when I was open to living outside of my box and being open to change. I wish I could say that it was always easy, but the more open I’ve become to change the easier it has become.

How do you deal with change? What do you do to maintain a flexible attitude?

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Tagged as: Business, Consulting, Management, Organizational Change