Change Through Empowerment

During a recent strategic planning session, I was explaining how to evaluate the alignment between your personal values and the values of the organization that you work for. Through this discussion, I realized that many participants were having a hard time assessing their alignment because they hadn’t spent much time on personal strategic planning.  I thought if the leaders hadn't thought much about it, then most of the other employees probably hadn’t either.

Some transformations, especially those in nature, are easily witnessed. Time seems condensed, rapid development is actually seen and as a result, transformation happens right before our eyes. Several months ago, on a mini-getaway to the White Mountains in New Hampshire, a beautiful Luna moth came to visit. The Luna stayed attached to the deck post for close to eight hours. Out of curiosity, I searched the internet for more information about the Luna.

The New Year has become a time for resolutions and change. Resolutions can include a new goal or something you have always wanted to do. They are personal, unique to you, and perfect for increasing self-empowerment. However, when I listen to others think about their possible resolutions, I sometimes hear, “I should do….” or “last year, I would have….”. These are what I like to call the “shoulda, woulda’s” and they usually do not come from an empowering place.

Being able to adapt appropriately and quickly in a world full of continuous change can be a challenge. Rapidly changing work and personal environments can create feelings of confusion, ambiguity and uncertainty. So how do we become more adaptable?