Change can be uncomfortable and uncertain, but some strategies and techniques can help build resilience and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges or disruptions. On this episode of The Forward Thinking Podcast, FCCS VP of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Barton is joined by Nicole Brusewitz, FCCS' VP of Leadership Development, Learning, and Consulting Services for a discussion about taking an intentional approach to managing change, including pitfalls to avoid and tactics to foster an environment of continuous evolution while prioritizing employee wellbeing and avoiding burnout.

Episode Insights Include:

Navigating the uncertainty of change

• Many of us don't like change and respond to it differently than we think we will.

• Rather than viewing change as an obstacle to overcome, view it as a catalyst for intentional disruption.

• Embrace change as an opportunity to change habits and consider new possibilities.

• Discomfort can work as a signal that you are ready to face growth.

Strategies for building resilience and adaptability

• Look back and learn from the lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Resilience is not a muscle that we need to wait to start developing.

• Working on these skills now will help when the time for action arrives.

• First, consider ways to cultivate more adaptive styles of thinking.

• Encourage improvisation and creativity in team meetings.

• Devote time to practicing scenario planning and risk mitigation.

Cultivating a mindset of change agility

• Have a sense of curiosity and openness to new experiences.

• Ask questions to uncover the root of changes to increase a willingness to learn about it.

• Leaders can cultivate this mindset by considering change as a natural rhythm of growth.

• Create a nurturing environment that strikes a balance between stability and chaos.

Embracing the frequent change in technological advances

• Consider technological changes as the unknown wilderness that must be explored.

• Surround yourself with a good group of people who can help guide and share resources.

• Utilize networks and partnerships to avoid the need to be the expert on everything.

• Look for evidence of progress to sustain the needed energy to approach change.

Avoiding change pitfalls

• Burnout can be avoided by remaining aware of the need for change in effective growth.

• Leaders can avoid sabotage by not clinging too tightly to the status quo.

• Leaders must be open to change and willing to set the tone of a positive change culture.

Bright spots as a catalyst in change

• Bright spots highlight what is working rather than all of the things that are going wrong.

• Our brains are trained to focus on what is going wrong, but it doesn't have to be that way.

• Bright spots move us out of a problem-solving tunnel into an awareness of what is already working.

• Don't let one thing ruin everything – focus on what is going right.

• Where you keep your focus is where you are going to go.

• Strike a balance between resilience and employee wellbeing and burnout.

• Leaders need to provide a support system of psychological safety in the workplace and model a healthy work-life balance.

This podcast is powered by FCCS.

Resources

Connect with Nicole Brusewitz – Nicole Brusewitz

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"Rather than viewing change as an obstacle to overcome, view it as a catalyst for intentional disruption." — Nicole Brusewitz

"Resilience is not a muscle that we need to wait to develop." — Nicole Brusewitz

"Cultivating a mindset of changeability allows us to embrace change as an opportunity for growth as opposed to a threat to our stability." — Nicole Brusewitz

"We feel better as employees when we're able to give our best selves." — Nicole Brusewitz

"By shifting our perspective on change and reframing discomfort as an opportunity, we are faced with the opportunity for growth and can see change in a new way." — Nicole Brusewitz