There are 6 qualities common to those who thrive on change. Here’s how to develop
these qualities in the people who report to you.
Quality #1: Confidence
The personality trait most responsible for the ability to deal well with change is self-
confidence.
Strategy: Play to people’s strengths
Stop focusing on building up weaknesses. Instead, identify and build on those
competencies and accomplishments that make someone special.
Quality #2: Challenge
In fast-moving, high-stress business environments, a positive, upbeat, “can-do”
attitude is vital for success.
Strategy: Nurture people’s optimism
While it is important to acknowledge the stress, uncertainty, and disruption that
change brings, it is also crucial to emphasize the opportunities for growth,
challenge, and reward.
Quality #3: Coping
Change-adept employees are able to cope with and adapt to a complex, fast-paced
reality.
Strategy: Lighten up!
Rather than bracing for the inevitable pressure, remember to bring a sense of
humor and spirit of fun to the workplace to cushion all that rolling with the
punches.
Factor #4: Counterbalance
People with interests beyond their professions and organizations are more resilient
under stress and more effective on the job.
Strategy: Let people get a life!
Encourage your staff to compensate for the demands and pressure of work by
developing counterbalancing activities in other areas of their life.
Factor #5: Creativity
Creative people embrace changing business conditions that expose them to new
knowledge, new people, and new experiences.
Strategy: Honor people’s “inner genius”
Remember that everyone was born with a creative capacity that needs to be
nurtured and engaged.
Factor #6: Collaboration
A new workplace reality is that none of us can succeed alone.
Strategy: Build your collaboration skills
You can’t command and control collaboration and teamwork. But you can influence
others to collaborate and share their ideas by creating an environment in which it is
safe, enjoyable, and beneficial to do so.
