Change for the Sake of Change is a Bad Look
As a change management speaker who speaks to groups across America about negotiating and responding to workplace transformation, I am well-aware of the tumultuous times owing to inflation, mergers, acquisitions and business failures. Change in the Workplace is everywhere, but is it always a good thing?
The Boomerang
In my last post, I talked about the so-called “Great Walkout” or “Great Resignation.” The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that at least 33 million Americans packed their bags and walked off their jobs in 2021. Naturally, a good portion of the media cheered them on – almost pushed some of them out the door, it seemed.
Now, the latest research shows that about 70 percent of those poor souls regret their decision. They were too hasty, they changed for change’s sake. In short, they goofed big time.
I need quote myself without regret. In that post I said, “The incorrect assumption is, ‘Oh, just wait, they’ll be back.’
No, they won’t, and that is exactly the problem.”
Did I lead you astray? Not really. For most of them have not returned. In fact, the “33 million” did not evaporate, they found other work – and most often, doing the same thing they left. Most are as miserable in their new situations as they were in the old. They have learned what I always stress in my keynote change management talks, “Life is a negotiation.”
To those 33 million and to the media who whole-heartedly supported them, I am sorry the new situation is no better than the one you left, and that you may have left a relatively good boss to work for a not so good boss, or situation or organization. Perhaps, in the rush, you might have considered an alternative plan or a change to the aspects of your last job that may have been troubling you. Maybe you should have negotiated the changes you sought?
Not Being Dismissive
I am certainly not being dismissive of anyone’s desire to change what was, however I have often found that when people or even organizations leave a situation “to find themselves,” they often come full circle rather than moving forward. Don’t change for the sake of change or at the behest of a talking-head on cable television (making millions per year) who convinces you the grass is always greener.
If your desire is to change as the result of a merger, acquisition or because the new company supplies its workers with chocolate chip cookies, have a plan in leaving. Negotiate that departure. Have a plan as to what you are trying to accomplish.
And, while I support most anyone who starts a business, understand what is truly involved, not a Hollywood fantasy. For, I too love to plant my tulips each fall and gladiolas in the spring, but I am wise enough to know the margins, inventory and myriad of other problems in owning a garden center.
COVID-19, supply chains, inflation and the rest, wiped all of us out. It was so tempting to throw up our hands and walk away. Change can be like that. If you are resolute and want to make changes in your employment life, understand exactly where it is you want to go, how you will get there, and weigh the options.
“Change is Good,” is a slogan that looks great on a banner or T-shirt, but realize that your choice will impact every aspect of your life.
To contact Mike Hourigan, Change Keynote Speaker for a presentation, call Mike today at (704) 875-3030 or fill out the form below.
