|
|
Like this article? PLEASE +1 it! |
|
The New Dance
Written by: Nan RussellArticle Overview: Poor Pluto. Stripped of its planetary status by the International Astronomical Union and reclassified as a "dwarf planet," two years ago, Pluto's demotion heralds new rules for planet classification. Debate by renowned astronomers from seventy-five countries culminated in the decision to reduce the number of planets to eight "classic" ones.
![]() |
Free Download - The Art of Change By Nan Russell |
The New Dance
Poor Pluto. Stripped of its planetary status by the International Astronomical Union and reclassified as a "dwarf planet," two years ago, Pluto's demotion heralds new rules for planet classification. Debate by renowned astronomers from seventy-five countries culminated in the decision to reduce the number of planets to eight "classic" ones.
This reclassification got me thinking. Like a company reorganization or leadership change, the rules were altered. And no matter if you were among scientists advocating for more planets or less, it no longer matters. The decision is rendered. Like it. Don't like it. It's done.
Organizational changes can be like that too. Like Pluto, I've spent career years with "classic" designation, status and access only to be "reclassified" with mergers, acquisitions, downsizing and reorganizations. Confident, comfortable and courageous with a current boss, you must reprove, readjust and reorient to a new one with a different style, focus and rules.
It's happened enough in my career-life to collect a few insights along the way. First, the suddenness is unnerving and often painful. Familiar shifts to unfamiliar and second-nature decisions become second-guessed ones. When the rules change it's uncomfortable.
But, you can't go back. You can't change the outcome. What was true yesterday is gone. So, my second lesson learned the hard way is let it go as quickly as possible. Your future depends on it. Third, recognize you're in a growth spurt. That can be painful, challenging or exhilarating. And while it might not be a growth you'd choose, use your talent to reinvent yourself, find your grounding and contribute in new ways.
You see, if change can happen to something as sure as planets, it will likely happen to us. When it does we can dig in, resist and fight, or after taking a deep breath and regrouping, we can find our courage and take a step forward.
That's what people who are winning at working do. They choose the future over the past, personal growth over fossilization, opportunity over defeat, and contribution over consternation. And as difficult as that is at times to do, people who are winning at working work through their disappointments and wounds, assessing their options, inventing their future and finding their wisdom. Like an African proverb reminds us all, "When the music changes, so does the dance."
Want to be winning at working? Learn the new dance.
(c) 2009 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.
Article Tags: astronomers, career life, company reorganization, deep breath, demotion, different style, downsizing, growth spurt, international astronomical union, leadership change, mergers acquisitions, new ways, number of planets, organizational changes, personal growth, planetary status, pluto, reclassification, reorganizations, second nature
|
About the Author: Nan Russell RSS for Nan's articles - Visit Nan's website Nan S. Russell is the author of "Hitting Your Stride: Your Work, Your Way". She is also the host of "Work Matters with Nan Russell" weekly on webtalkradio.net. Nan Russell has spent over 20 years in management, most recently with QVC as Vice President. Sign up to receive Nan's "Winning at Working" tips and insights at http://www.nanrussell.com Click here to visit Nan's website What You Control CARVE YOUR SUCCESS KEY How About THANK YOU Notes to Boss Workplace Heists |
Related Forum Posts
Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.
Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.
Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!
Adapting to Technology and the Internet
Making the Most of Your Trade Show Experience
Creating a Better Place to Work
Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.



