'Change' is a Dirty Word

About a month ago, I began facilitating a training seminar for managers in my organization. The industry was going through some big changes, hence, we needed to begin to rethink the way we did business. Most of the managers at this seminar had been working for the company for over ten years; they didn't want to change…

"Why the hell do we need to change now?" they asked.

After spending a decade perfecting their rhythm, I see the frustration that comes with the beat of a new drum. Imagine finding the "sweet spot" in your bed, then getting the covers ripped off of your back…change is an ugly process.

The great thing about the seminar was despite the fact that the company was going to evolve whether they liked it or not, everyone had a chance to challenge the new model without the fear of retribution. In fact, it was encouraged

"We're not children," one of my colleagues pointed out. "As adults, we rationalize through asking questions and challenging authority." The important thing, as I see it, is to remember to still show respect to one another when doing so.

Facing a generation of young workers attempting to challenge the status quo of corporate life is a stickier situation. Instead of change being initiated from the top down, we're attempting to restructure from the bottom up. But the code of conduct should remain the same.

Millennials have the right to challenge traditional views without condescension. "You need to grow up," is no longer an acceptable answer. We're adults, and expect the same level of respect that is customary in our society.

The community of dialogue we create together is the same as the business seminar I helped facilitate, it's just easier to be an asshole online. And that's good and bad. The good part is that nobody holds back, I like knowing exactly how people feel – leave the BS at the door. The bad part is, some people are just angry at their own lives and want to take it out on someone else. I hope that we can find it in our hearts to ignore these idiots…

With that said, I anticipate a good challenge. A good answer isn't as simple as one man's grand idea. It's about a community of dialogue. Change is an ugly process, but by talking to each other, and not being juvenile, we can learn to coexist in a workplace environment that suits everyone. Phone cards.

Leave your thoughts here. (9 responses)

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Be prepared to change for a better workplace - itzblogging big - Serving the Unserved - Recruiters, Job Seekers, Quiet Working Professionals

May 9th, 2007 at 3:28 pm

[...] Employee Evolution Ryan Paugh describes a recent seminar he facilitated. He was initially concerned about the changes [...]

Jaerid

May 10th, 2007 at 9:26 am

Ryan,

Well said and great point. Change isn't easy nor should it be. I also like the fact that you stress change as a community responsibility versus an individual one. Great thoughts.

The Recruiting Animal

May 10th, 2007 at 10:15 am

Gen Y Is Different

But the same, sez Bond Girl. If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you hire us, shall we not revenge? Jasmine Flowers claims that Gen Y is not as high maintenance and unmanageable a…

Rusty

May 10th, 2007 at 11:18 am

Change is inevitible but to grow with it is an "Opportunity'

Absolutely!

-Ryan Paugh

Michael

May 10th, 2007 at 5:52 pm

Change is the only thing that remains the same in business. I work for the Federal Government as a business analyst. My job is to improve processes and promote change to our region. I'll admit, I've been lucky. I've had full support and have been able to rewrite several regional policies in my first year here. If you're are looking for a way to do change, I would suggest doing a business case analysis and getting as many senior level people involved as possible. It's what is currently working for me. If it works in the public sector it will definitely work in the private sector!

Recruiting Bloggers.com

May 10th, 2007 at 6:28 pm

The Gen Y Revolution

Change is ugly sez Ryan Paugh. A spectre is haunting corporate America; the spectre of Gen Y. Working from the bottom up, "a generation of young workers is attempting to challenge the status quo of corporate life. They have the right to challenge trad…

Unison

May 12th, 2007 at 7:54 pm

Your site is perfect!

Nancy Lewis

Jul 16th, 2007 at 12:09 pm

Our 7 year old telecom company has gone through nothing but change; how do you fight that kind of fatigue?

Our leadership changed over a year ago and much has stabilized, and I see trends toward real growth as an operational organization (no longer a start up). The problem is getting messages through to employees who are exhausted with change, cynical about the goodness potential of change,etc. thoughts?

Employee Evolution - Going home for the holidays, where everything stays the same

Nov 29th, 2007 at 9:38 am

[...] only one thing scarier than change. And that's no change at all. A lesson learned as I visited my hometown in New Jersey this [...]