reflections on change

When was the last time you thought about making a change? A change in technology solutions, business imperatives, role or work structure, a change of direction? What factors did you weigh while you considered your options? What sources did you consult? Who influenced you to consider making a change?

We don’t typically see seismic shifts in mindset and direction as a routine practice, but extraordinary conditions can help accelerate the need to make change. No matter the size or the impact of the decision, I often find myself weighing pros and cons and seeking information from a variety of sources. More often than I care to admit, I take in information and perspectives geared towards supporting my initial feeling or response. It can take a lot of information (and sometimes persuasion) for me to consider a change of direction from my original inclination.

When I reflect on the past six months, however, I see a shift in my usual patterns for seeking out information. Instead of primarily searching for validation of my intuition or mindset, I am now actively pursuing new information and novel ways of considering a problem. Taking it a step further, I am now more aware of problems that I may have been blind to in the past.

Perhaps this is due to the increased attention I dedicate to data-driven updates like the daily COVID-19 dashboards locally, nationally, and globally. I spend my free time perusing thought leadership articles and listening to podcasts that feature experts in a variety of fields. I look for trusted connections between data and insights. And every day it feels like I trip over the realization that there is a deep well of opportunity to make changes that will position myself and my business responsibilities for success tomorrow.

Now more than ever I seek out experts who can bring valuable experience and insights to the table. I find myself consulting with associates who reliably combine facts and data with thought leadership in order to drive business-focused outcomes. Taking it one step further, I place great value on being able to take those insights, identify the possible gaps, and make the leap to a decision and action with the best information available – understanding that I can’t always know all of the relevant facts.

In this rapidly changing landscape, I believe that the most valuable skill sets are those that bring expertise, experience, and the ability to interpret new information to help inform and make good decisions. The next level is being able to continuously bring in new, relevant information and adapt as required.

Has your decision-making methodology evolved? How do you approaching making changes? Do you have the information and support to change, adapt, and evolve?

There is so much to handle right now and I am continually amazed at the plethora of resources available to effectively manage and make decisions to position for future success. Harnessing those resources is the first step, and I find it to be the hardest part about deciding to make a change. Once I have leveraged my resources, considered the evidence, and taken off my blinders, I feel prepared and confident about enacting change.