By Mim Nelson-Gillett, GetFive Certified Coach
In this age of constant change and innovation, adaptability is one of the most important qualities. When change happens quickly, you end up continuously developing your knowledge base, creating new relationships, and leaving others behind at an alarming rate. However, this brings about the opportunity to create and recreate your professional identity with each and every shift. Take advantage of each period of change to identify your strengths and stretch beyond your previous limitations.
For example, you’re on a team to co-develop a product with another team and you discover that their corporate culture is so different from yours that you can’t communicate effectively. How will you fix this problem? Or, perhaps you’re stuck in a job search rut. How will you take on this challenge?
Each transition period involves a “gap” in which you need to create a new strategy. Here are some steps that will support you as you attempt to bridge the gap:
- Appreciate that you are in a place of development and that you have an opportunity to grow. Think outside the box and look beyond the obvious to explore the possibilities. Getting outside of your comfort zone is the very first step.
- Clarify where you are and where you want to be. Outline your goals and focus on what you really want to achieve. You’ll feel better knowing you have a plan.
- Identify what you can do to get started. Work one step and a time and it might surprise you how fast your momentum will build. Be honest with yourself and don’t procrastinate. Just start working toward your goal and see where it takes you.
- Don’t ignore any obstacles you come across. This is where you might be tempted to give up, with your mindset being something like, “It wasn’t that important.” A bump in the road, however, just might provide the insight you’ve been looking for. Do you need more information, training, or networking?
- Break up your plan week by week. Map out what you can fit in this week, and set an intention for the next.
- Encourage yourself and celebrate your successes along the way. This will help you stay motivated and keep you from slowing down. Self-acknowledgment is powerful. After all, each step you take becomes a foundation for the steps to follow.
When you find yourself in new territory, don’t be afraid. Work through your goals and desires to get where you want to be. The better you understand how to manage a transition, the more power you’ll have to cross over into the new and exciting career opportunities that await.
GetFive Coach Mim Nelson-Gillett has been working with executives, entrepreneurs, and career changers for more than 15 years.
