Change: For Better or Worse

Most know, and understand that people are adverse to change. This aversion not only applies to negative change, but positive change as well.

It is safe to say that moving from positive to a negative is not a pleasant experience, thus the apprehension toward the change action is reasonable and therefore logical, but what if the change is from a negative to a positive? Do will still oppose said change even when it is better for us personally or professionally?

Amazingly, yes. While it has been said that no changes are permanent, but change is; one must wonder why any logical, clear thinking person would not accept positive change and therefore understand that changes are very much like a living organism that morphs and adapts to its surrounding environment.

Example. A company I consult with recently let one their senior directors go. This person that shall remain nameless was a Machiavellian leader that purposefully imposed fear into every single employee as a means of power. He was not looking out for the betterment of his employer or employees: just himself. Every action was calculated, planned, and ruthless. I have come across some fairly demanding, ruthless people in my time, but this guy wins the gold medal.

The good news is the company recognized this and put an end to it, but not before the turnover rate reached 300%. People lived in fear of this guy as once you’re on his “black list” it is impossible to remove oneself.

After his departure from the organization one would think that everyone would be jumping for joy and buying a round of drinks. The evil micromanager that reminded us daily we were all on the chopping block has left. Some did, but most didn’t. Why? They didn’t know any other way. They tolerated the existing environment for so long that it became commonplace. They basically turned into masochists wanting someone to beat them again and again.

To me, I cannot fathom such illogical thought and behavior. I am a person that sees change—for better or worse—as an inevitable process that takes place. A process that for the most part is completely out of my control and therefore should not be given second thought. Sure, this may be a fatalistic approach, but I truly believe that whatever course one is on, it is always better than the course before.

I embrace change as it keeps things interesting…and who wants boring?

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