We probably deserve a pat on the back. Experience from recent, significant global changes has helped us to recognise the true nature of change as being a constant state. Generally speaking, we understand that we need to accept change rather than fighting it. In saying that, though, there's still a distance to go before we truly grasp the concept that change is not just something to tolerate, and plan around, but that it brings opportunity.
If we don't change we stay the same. Think about that for a minute. Your job, your relationships, your income, your lifestyle, your knowledge, your fitness. Everything would stay just as it is now - because nothing changed. But whether we like it or not, things change. In today's Saturday Catch-up, we're going to look at the keys to empowerment. Because change brings opportunities. Whether in your professional life or your personal life, feeling empowered can make all the difference between just getting by or finding the gold in change.
Finding the gold in transformation is not always clear cut. We don't always know how the change will end up. There may be plans in place, we may be changing because we're working towards a set goal; but we know from experience that life can have a sense of humour and plans can seem to be disrupted at a moment's notice. In Moving beyond uncertainty, published 19 March 2024, we explore how the secret to empowerment is not in adding greater control, but rather in opening up and letting go.
I sometimes talk to people about the Frustration Wall. I first discovered the Frustration Wall when learning guitar as an adult learner. I was in a small group class and during one lesson the teacher asked us both to play something really, really hard. The other student was able to play it but I was not. My fingers and brain were operating completely separately; and were simply not able to play what I was asked to play. But, the teacher insisted, you can do it. Go ahead and try. I was embarrassed, angry, I felt like throwing a tantrum (I may have actually thrown a tantrum) and I just couldn't do it. But... But... The next day I tried it again. Read more in Self-Limiting Beliefs and Change: what’s holding you back? from 24 April 2024.
Unlocking the Power of Employee Engagement During Change, from 7 August 2024, moves us to the workplace where we see that supporting employee engagement effectively can require dedicated resources. However with the help of change management strategies, businesses can effectively address fear and uncertainty, empowering their workforces during times of transformation. We provide some strategies businesses can employ to achieve the right level of resourcing for engaging their employees.
Yesterday our guest blogger Richard Pharro, Founder and CEO of APMG shared his article Empowering Teams with Change Management Training. He explained there is substantial evidence that trained staff make a significant difference, and the value of change management training is to have highly qualified people within the organisation who understand the culture, can work effectively with external consultants, and are able to drive through organisational change.
On 28 December 2023 we published Empowering Women in Tech Startups: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion, acknowledging that in recent years, the tech industry has made strides in acknowledging and addressing the gender gap that has long persisted within its ranks. While there is still work to be done, many startups are actively championing diversity and inclusion, recognising the immense value that women bring to the table. We explored the importance of women in tech startups and how embracing diversity and inclusion fosters innovation, creativity, and success.
You've got the key to a great Saturday Catch-Up: Keys to Empowerment
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Please enjoy your Saturday catch-up.
Very organized. Very informative. I enjoyed reading it.