Swimming Upstream

Swimming Upstream dan skognes motivation blogger speaker leadership training coachingMany people view change as swimming upstream.  They are fighting to get what they want and will step on whoever is in their way to get there. Change does not have to be that way.

Fighting change can be self-destructive as well as harmful to an organization.  We are constantly having to adapt to change.  How can we do this without exhausting ourselves, stepping on other people, or even self-destructing? This is where change management comes in.  This is where collaboration becomes critical.

Have you noticed how much easier it is to go upstream in a boat with others paddling with you?  That is the value of teamwork.  Sometimes you go with the tide, and sometimes you have to go against it, but as a team, you have a better chance of success. As a team, you rely on the skills of each other to help you achieve your goals.

Let’s face it.  Change is inevitable.  They say that there are two things in life you can count on, death and taxes, but guess what?  That is not true.  They are constantly changing the tax codes!  Change is coming. The question is, how will you handle it?  Here are some practical things you can do to prepare for change:

  • Anticipate changes in yourself, other people, and the organization.  The only person or organization that does not change is a dead one.
  • Embrace change. There is a need for us to adapt to the changes we encounter.  Look forward to stretching yourself, stretching the thoughts of others, and stretching your organization in a healthy way.
  • Be collaborative, not combative. Learn to communicate with the various people in your life and embrace diversity.  Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
  • Be open to the opinions of others.  It could be they are right and you are wrong.  You will never know until you communicate and truly listen.
  • Whether going with and against the tide as a team, learn to work together.  You will live longer and be happier for it.

Abraham Lincoln said, “I don’t like that man.  I must get to know him better.”  We have a responsibility to get along with each other.  Lincoln knew that if he did not like someone, there was something being triggered in him that may or may not have merit.  He knew that he had to give that person the benefit of the doubt. Isn’t that what we all need and want: the benefit of the doubt? Let’s give each other a break.  That is what the Bible calls “grace.”

Shalom!

Dan Skognes

2 Responses to “Swimming Upstream”

  1. kathy hall says:

    “Abraham Lincoln said, “I don’t like that man. I must get to know him better.” We have a responsibility to get along with each other. Lincoln knew that if he did not like someone, there was something being triggered in him that may or may not have merit. He knew that he had to give that person the benefit of the doubt. Isn’t that what we all need and want: the benefit of the doubt? Let’s give each other a break. That is what the Bible calls “grace.”

    love this!!