Change — or Not?

How to welcome change — a more rewarding, easier and happier way to live.

She held a small cardboard strip handwritten with “Change?” over her eyes as she leaned against the stop sign on the small traffic island of the busy intersection. Panhandling or social statement? Judging by her outstretched hand, it seemed obvious. Yet the sign triggered an avalanche of thought in me. The beginning of the year, a time to assess what worked and what may benefit from a new approach.

Years ago, I moved from S. California to Boston, MA, to lead Reebok’s Apparel & Retail group as President. It was an extensive geographical, emotional and career adjustment for me. But it may still have been easier for me because I was consciously making the change, than for the many people that I was going to lead.

I knew that I would adapt to new living arrangements, different weather, long distance relationships, and of course, significant work and career transformation. However, my new team weren’t actively seeking change, and didn’t have the benefit of the advance planning that I had to prepare for it.

When a new situation is thrust upon you, it catches you by surprise. Status quo, even if it’s not ideal is comfortable, while being pushed to change can be anxiety provoking. Fortunately, I realized their dilemma and I…