“Hey, I Can Handle This!”

In just a few days, I’m speaking with a group about the power of GOMO!^® (Get Over It, Move On!), but this time it’s with regard to managing change. It’s timely to be thinking about GOMO!^® in relation to change as recent rumors about change in our community are peppering many conversations. Talk of Maytag Corporation making decisions about its future in Newton is leading to fear and concern on the part of many. Why would Maytag do this to Newton? What damage will a Maytag move do to Newton businesses? If corporate moves, will the plant move in the next few years? How could Maytag do this to Newton? These are just a handful of specific questions that have been asked in recent days.

As is often the case with real or potential change, we immediately jump to negative thoughts and feelings. Some have even jumped to conclusions without substantive information to support their view. Yes, there is a sense of discomfort when change involving us happens without our willing cooperation. Often we feel a sense of betrayal when the change is viewed as unwanted or undesirable. And that betrayal leads to a lack a trust- toward individuals as well as a situation.

Community members believe that their fears are real. Some business owners truly believe that their future livelihood depends on Maytag’s decision. Area citizens view any additional loss of a major firm a real blow to Iowa.

For those impacted by a potential change, how can GOMO!^® be used to respond? For those who feel a threat at the thought of Maytag Corporation making a move, how can GOMO!^® build personal strength without tearing Maytag decision makers down?

In order to Get Over it and Move On!, we need to clearly identify “It”. For the most part, I don’t think the “It” is Maytag Corporation. Maytag is the catalyst for personal vulnerabilities to bear their teeth. Each of us needs to take the responsibility to ask, “what exactly is the concern I feel around this talk about Maytag?” What we probably will discover is that changes, this one or others, threaten our sense of security. Then the question becomes, “in what do we place our security?” So frequently, strength is assigned to outside forces- a job, money, a friend, a company. The irony is that this security can change in a moment. Whether a storm, an illness, or other unexpected changes- these events put our perceived security at risk and immediately alter our lives. No person has the power to control all that can potentially affect his/her life. So, a more dependable strategy is to build internal fortitude and coping skills. These include developing skills for managing stressful events, the strength to take reasoned risks, and the ability to manage problems as they arise. The degree to which you develop these skills builds your reservoir of personal strength.

A belief that has held great value for thousands is recognizing the power of our choices. Caroline Myss, in Anatomy of the Spirit tells us that, “each choice we make is an act of power for which we are held responsible.” Recently, a colleague shared this quote with me. “Every tomorrow has two handles. You can take the handle of anxiety or the handle of enthusiasm. As your choice goes, so will your day.” These are powerful reminders that we cannot control change, but we can choose not to be victims of it. In other words, we can choose to control our response to change. And if we choose a response that is reasoned and of high character, then we raise the probability that we will enjoy a higher quality outcome.

As you conclude your reading of this article, honor yourself with this timeless truth from St. Francis of Assisi. “God, grant me the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the courage to work on what can be changed, and the wisdom to know the difference”.

By: Susan B. Wilson, President, Executive Strategies