Did you say…….CHANGE!?!
Change for most people, is a word that strikes terror when heard. For
business people and consumers alike, “the 90’s” was
the decade of enormous change! The real estate industry for example saw
significant changes in regulation, nature of practice, the way we do business,
advertise, and communicate.
There are “players” in the business today that we never would
have anticipated ten years ago. The Internet has become a factor so momentous
that we are at present unable to gauge the extent of its long-range effect.
Set this against the background of the normal and constant changes in
market, economy, financing, product, job stability, etc. and you begin
to understand why heads are still spinning.
…And the real estate industry merely mirrors what’s happening
across the board in all business forcing business owners and consumers
alike to face that dreaded word Change!
It is said that it is not change per se we resist, rather, we resist
when we are required to change. The first step is understanding that change
is inevitable and constant. In the words of Somerset Maugham: “There
is one thing about which I am certain and that is that there is very little
about which one can be certain.”
So, knowing change will come to you, here are some coping mechanisms
to handle it smoothly and make it work for you:
1. Be prepared. Anticipate change. Create flexible systems.
Work to see change as good, normal, and natural. Look for the opportunity
in the change!
2. Analyze the change. Look at it from many different
perspectives. See how others view it. Through others’ eyes we get
a balanced view and thus can see both the threat and the opportunity inherent
in all change.
3. Formulate a plan. Face the change with a plan to avoid
the threat and reap the benefit of the opportunity. Keep it flexible.
4. Translate the plan into a vision of the next step.
Whether you’re moving your family or relocating a billion dollar
company, those around you need a clear vision of what’s next. Make
the picture so vivid they can see it, smell it, taste it, touch it, and
hear it!
5. Monitor the steps of the plan. Seek feedback. Have
others help you stay on track, maintain that flexibility, but don’t
lose sight of that goal.
6. Know where you are going. It’s the only way
you’ll know when you’ve arrived!! Give lots of positive feedback
and encouragement to those riding with you on this journey.
7. Don’t rest on your laurels. If you are not already
facing another change/challenge, be prepared, you will!!!…Or, get
the jump on it and make your own change!!!
Those are some suggestions for you in facing change. The message is summed
up nicely in this anonymous quote: “ The happiest people don’t
necessarily have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything!”
John J. Doran
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