Embracing Change At Your Practice
Fear of the unknown, what’s around the corner? It’s thinking what is the worst case scenario? It’s being unsure what is next. We survive because we are cautious, however, there is a lot of positivity in taking a chance.
Some of the greatest people in the world have achieved extraordinary things by pushing themselves out of their comfort zones. Whether you realise it or not, you have always embraced change. You are not the same person you were a few years ago. You might have changed because of a life event, like a new job, or you might have got married or even had children; whatever it might be, it would have changed you without you realising.
You see, embracing change can always be achieved. If you are one of those people who is stuck in their ways, being dragged kicking and screaming out of your comfort zone, then we have a few tips to help you and your team embrace change:
Mentally Prepare
Being mentally prepared for change will help you embrace it much easier, if you have time to do so this that is. If you know change is coming, then learn as much as possible about why this change is happening. If you are planning a change at your practice, then give your team time to mentally prepare; explain why this is a good thing and the long-term impact on the business.
Don’t Fight It
As much as you want to protest and dig your feet in, try not to fight it. Take a step back from it all, think logically and see why this change is a good thing. The worst thing you can do is to fight this change because when the change does happen you will become unhappy and disgruntled. It’s better to accept that it is happening as you will find the adjustment a lot easier; you will be much happier because you won’t feel like you are being forced into doing something you don’t want to do.
Change Your Point of View
Change is a lot easier if it is you who is implementing it, but your team might not be as enthusiastic as you for change. Think of it from their point of view, what would you do if you were suddenly told that things were changing? I guess you would feel a little uneasy too. Share your thinking with your team being as open and honest as possible, gauge their reaction, explain why this is a positive step. Slowly ease them into it so they have time to mentally prepare for this.
Once again, if you are the one being told things are changing then think of it from your manager’s point of view. There must be a reason for this change, don’t be afraid to ask questions to put your mind at ease.
It May Not Be Forever
Sometimes change is not forever; there might be a period where a practice could be implementing a new process, but they want to test the waters first. Sometimes things don’t work out, even with the best intentions; a change, at first might seem like a good idea but if it hasn’t been executed properly then it might go back to the ways things used to be. Now, we are not suggesting that you hope and pray that things go back to how they use to be because that would be counterproductive. As we have said embrace this change with an open mind, try your best to make it work but assess and re-evaluate if you feel it is not working.
You Might Surprise Yourself
A change could bring out the best in you, you might even surprise yourself, it could open doors for you, give you a new perspective or it could do wonders for your practice. You might look back and think what was all the fuss about, at the end of the day what is the worst thing that could happen?
Yes, change is scary but it can be a really positive step forward. Try some of these tips to help you embrace the change that is happening all around you, it could be one of the best things you have ever done.
