#80 | 1.24.25 - How to Navigate Change / Public Speaking Tips From the World's Best / Calling Out Room Dynamics / Stained Glass Smash / No Fried February!
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How to Navigate Change
Whew! Here we are, approaching the end of January 2025, and a lot is happening in the world, and things are moving very fast. It reminds me of the truth we’re all aware of—change is inevitable. Yet, despite knowing this, change still rattles us. It forces us out of our comfort zones, disrupts routines, and challenges us to think, act, and lead differently.
So, how do we navigate change effectively? How do we embrace it instead of resisting it? Here are five critical steps to lead yourself—and others—through change successfully.
1. What Got Us Here Won’t Get Us There
Kodak. Blockbuster. Kmart. Once companies at the top of their game, now not so much. Why? I believe because they resisted change. They honored their past so much that they failed to prepare for their future.
The same is true for us. The habits, strategies, and mindsets that got us to this moment won’t necessarily take us to the next level. It’s essential to celebrate and learn from the past, but we can’t stay there. Leadership happens in the present, with eyes set on the future.
🟢 Next step: Lead forward.
Honor the past, but don’t live in it. Take what worked and build on it.
Stay adaptable. What changes do you need to make today to remain effective tomorrow?
Adopt a growth mindset. Ask yourself: Am I leading based on where we’ve been or where we need to go?
2. Change is Healthy
We all want growth. We all want progress. But many of us resist change—the very thing that makes growth and progress possible.
Healthy things grow, and growth requires change. If you want to thrive, you can’t stay stagnant. Change is a sign of movement, of momentum. It’s proof that things are evolving and improving.
🟢 Next Step: Reframe your perspective.
Recognize change as a sign of health. If things never change, something is dying.
Embrace discomfort. Growth and comfort can’t coexist.
Start preparing. What upcoming changes do you need to anticipate and get ahead of?
3. Change is Personal
Change might happen at an organizational level, but its impact is always personal. Anytime change is introduced, the first question we ask is: How will this affect me?
A new system, a new leader, a new process—all of it triggers personal reactions. But instead of focusing on how change impacts you, flip the question: How can I impact this change?
🟢 Next Step: Stay flexible and adaptable.
Be a change agent, not a change blocker. Ask: How can I add value to this transition?
Adopt a speedboat mentality. Even in a large organization, act like a small, agile team that pivots quickly.
Choose adaptability over resistance. Your ability to stay flexible will determine your long-term success.
4. Maintain Optimism and Courage
Change can easily breed cynicism. It’s easy to assume the worst: Leadership doesn’t care. They aren’t thinking about us. This isn’t going to work.
But leaders who navigate change well choose optimism. They believe the best about people, about the future, and about what’s possible. They don’t just ride the wave—they help steer the ship.
🟢 Next Step: Be a hope dealer.
Believe the best about people. Assume your leaders have the best intentions.
Encourage others. Your role in change is to inject courage, not doubt.
Stop playing the “us vs. them” game. When you separate yourself from leadership, you weaken your own influence.
5. Level Up
Change isn’t just about organizational shifts—it’s about personal growth. When change happens, it’s an opportunity to raise your game. New challenges demand new skills, new thinking, and a new level of excellence.
🟢 Next Step: Elevate your standards.
Raise your personal expectations. Don’t wait for leadership to set the bar—set it yourself.
Stop looking in the rearview mirror. Change forces us forward, not backward.
Own your growth. If the game has changed, your skills need to as well.
Change can be disruptive, but it’s also an opportunity. Instead of resisting it, ask what possibilities it brings. The best leaders don’t just endure change—they leverage it to create something better.
Public Speaking Tips From the World's Best
This is a practical guide on public speaking techniques from the world's greatest speakers. It includes a few tips I haven’t heard before (#2 - “Raise your heart rate before the speech”).
The Art of Calling Out Room Dynamics
This is one of the best articles I’ve read on this topic in quite some time. Very practical, actionable tips.
Stained Glass Smash
Have you ever created your own stained glass piece? Now you have the chance! 😀
No Fried February!
For the second year in a row, my Wife and I have committed to doing “No Fried February,” which we made up last year. It’s simple - for the month of February, we commit to not eating any fried food. Putting it here for accountability and inviting you all to join us! Comment here or shoot me an email to let us know you’re along for the ride! 😀
Words to wrap up:
"Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory."
- Dr. Seuss