Navigating the Transformation

I had lunch with a colleague from another local company the other day. As we caught up, questions about GE’s transformation, the stock price and the future of the company arose. More specifically, he asked how I managed my “mindset” during this time of change and how I was handling it with my team. Based on his questions and the likely relevance this has to others, I have taken the time to capture my answer in a format that I can share below.

Here were my takeaways:

• Show Empathy and Be Authentic – Acknowledge that change and transformation can be hard and that everyone handles it differently. Realize that people transition through change at different rates; some are excited by change and the potential to influence the road ahead; some are anxious about change and want to proceed more cautiously. Although we won’t be able to relate to everyone’s specific experience, we can still show we care and be ourselves.
• Be Clear and Patient – Some people have many questions, especially during times of unprecedented change. Some questions we have the answers to, some we don’t, and others we are not at liberty to share. Be clear about the boundaries of what can and cannot be shared. Patiently reiterate these boundaries when questions are repeated that cannot be answered at that time.
• Focus on What You Can Control – People genuinely want to help in times of adversity. Therefore, reinforce the importance one’s daily job responsibilities and how this is one of the best ways they can help. This also helps clarify their role in the transformation by focusing on what they can control.
• Model Professional Development – When significant change occurs in a company, it is NOT the time to stop learning. In fact, it is one of the most important times to reiterate the available resources and your support of their training plans. This shows a continued investment in their ongoing professional development and means even more when they see you making time to learn also. #LearnDaily
• Encourage Good Career Hygiene – No matter what “season” a company or career is in, everyone should regularly revisit the progress they are making in their career, how they present themselves, and the vitality of their network. Internally, this includes updating your company profile; leveraging learning and development tools; and collaborating with peers and colleagues to continue to expand your knowledge of the company and network. Externally this may involve knowing the market / industry and how certain careers or technologies are evolving. In all cases, growing your network is a MUST both internally and externally. Stay connected to peers in the industry. Network on trends in your career field and stay on top of evolving technologies. Having a current resume and updated LinkedIn profile is important too!  This is just good career “hygiene”!
• Volunteer – Helping others, helps everyone. Therefore, volunteer as a mentor or coach for people both inside and outside your team. Being an accessible “advisor” allows you to share your perspective as a mentor or guide others into discovering their own answers as a coach. This can lead to clarity, connection, self-defined actions and a better overall “mindset”… for both of you.
• Walk the Talk – Simply put: Practice what you Preach. The more congruent your behavior is with what you communicate, the more trust, comfort and productive people will likely be.

How about you? How do you manage your mindset and navigate your team during times of change?