What will you do with that monkey wrench?

Leading Change
Written By Stacia Aylward

The Challenge

The next time you are faced with a stressful situation, take a moment to ask yourself this question: What one step can I take today to positively impact the current environment or situation? 

Why do this?

Adjust your thinking to be response-oriented rather than reactive. Doing so will help you feel more in control of the situation, and therefore less stressed. 

Your mental response to difficult episodes can either help or hinder how you deal with it. We all feel good about our work when things are going well--sales are up, the economy is humming, and the company is expanding. But, inevitably, something eventually happens: a company merger, a key client deserts to another supplier, or two key executives leave to form their own company. Practicing a response-oriented viewpoint will help you deal with the unexpected.

What’s next?

When the unexpected occurs, take a moment to write down your thoughts and fears. Then, list more proactive ways you could deal with the issue. This may give you the mental energy to more effectively deal with the change.

Stacia Aylward

Zelos CEO Stacia C. Aylward is an executive leader and lifelong learner with broad professional experience in envisioning and leading programs, projects and teams; facilitating and teaching adults; conducting research; and developing client relationships using proven methodologies in many government and technical fields, including economics, education, healthcare, housing, non-profit governance, IT and law. Stacia holds a master’s degree in Communication and Information, a bachelor’s degree in English, a Six Sigma black belt certification, and a Coach Approach to Leadership credential.

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