Control your attitude
By Jennifer Keirn
Updated Sun September 25, 2011
"The industry is changing." We've been hearing it for years, but it's not getting any easier to stomach. Change can still be challenging and stressful. Speaker and consultant Denise Ryan specializes in encouraging healthy responses to change, and she gave us this preview of the tips she'll share in her Medtrade session, "Dealing with Change Without Going Up in Flames."
HME: How does significant change impact us as individuals?
Ryan: Everyone reacts differently. Some are energized by it and embrace change. Most of us don't like it. You may be responding a certain way, but your employees may be reacting in a very different way.
HME: What's one of the ways you counsel people to react to change in a healthy way?
Ryan: You have to understand the change. Is it temporary or permanent? Who or what is in control of the effects of this change? The only thing you can control is your attitude. If you understand the different ways people respond to change, you can ask, "Which of these am I going to be?"
HME: What are a few of those ways people react to change?
Ryan: One of the most detrimental styles is the Passive Resister. They don't raise concerns, but they're actively resisting the change. Another is the Positive Accelerator. They go with it 100%. Then there are the Full Retreat people, people who say, "I've been in this industry 40 years. I'm done."
HME: What about the impact of continuous change on our businesses?
Ryan: When employees are scared or confused, they look for leadership. Despite your own fears and worries, you have to communicate more than ever. You don't have the luxury of holing up and being quiet. In HME, some say, "I was going to retire anyway." Others say, "Bring it on. I'm going to be the last one standing."
Denise Ryan
Title/company: Owner, FireStar Speaking
Services provided: Customized training "with a strong dose of enthusiasm"
Session: "Dealing with Change without Going up in Flames"
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2011 / 8:45 AM to 9:45 AM
Contact: 919.788.0291 / deniseryan@firestarspeaking.com
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