Introduction

It's 12:05 am and slightly hard to sleep. I found out that my employer Solvvy is going to be acquired by Zoom. This is a moment that many startup employees dream about. I'm fortunate to be a part of this experience. It's worth reflecting in this moment about change. Change is something that comes naturally to children, but we often learn to shy away from change as we become older. We become focused on habits and routines. After all, they provide predictability and comfort. However, I stand on the precipice of a large change along with my fellow Solvvers. Change is a great thing - hard, but great. This is true in all circumstances. A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a person perfected without trials.

Overview

I'd like to talk about change in several ways.

• What does change look like when you get new leadership or a new employer
• How can we leverage this change for growth
• What are ways to make the change enjoyable

What does change look like when you get new leadership or a new employer

When we face changes in life with leadership or employers, we have to recognize that there is unknown. I have experienced significant change in these areas over the previous years and I have learned that we tend to project our past experience into what the future will look like. We might minimize the size of the change that is coming. We may assume that it will happen slowly, or not at all. We may even carry out the existing patterns and routines as the environment around us rapidly transitions.

Through my experiences I have realized that intentional awareness of upcoming change is useful. Reflecting and observing as pillars get torn down and rebuilt is valuable! I'm reminded of math class. At the beginning of a new concept you are given a definition. Theorems and subsequent problems derive from the definition. You can debate the definition in your head. Often times you question it when it is presented. "Is this really true? Why is it true?". We bang against the definition when we apply the mechanics incorrectly when solving problems. Eventually through time and experience we come to realize all along that the definition was true. I have found that taking these definitions "to the bank" and applying them increases my ability to use them. In other words, it shortens my time of understanding!

The same is true when you undergo rapid change, such as changing your workplace. The definitions of what govern the workplace, process, people, and tools, all change! The quicker we pick up on them, the quicker we can utilize these mechanics to help our teams, customers, and personal happiness.

What is likely to change

Last year I experienced a significant change in leadership. I expected initially for business to carry on as usual, but that turned out to be inaccurate. Teams were re-arranged. I experienced three new bosses in one year. The way performance was measured changed. The expectations on what my role produced became different. The people on my team were swapped out. I went from working with the same people I had worked with for three years to training five new people as the lead of an entirely new team. The projects and priorities shifted.

In short, everything about my position changed. I was not expecting this when the leadership change first occurred. It was stressful, but in retrospect I'm thankful. I picked up a huge amount of new skills. I learned from many people. It was one of the best things that ever happened, despite the sense of chaos that accompanied so many changes in such a short period of time.

Leveraging change for growth

Large changes are massive opportunities for personal growth. Success is achieved by stretching oneself, learning to feel comfortable being uncomfortable. Being aware that big change is coming gives you a mental model to turn on "learning mode". You can begin with self dialog. What am I excited about? What am I worried about? What are some things that I want to learn, or areas I want to focus. Who can I work with along the way?

Asking yourself these questions gives you a plan. Plans are nothing, but planning is everything, right? Gearing yourself up with plans on how to embrace change means that when it inevitably comes you are not shocked! You are prepared to embrace it, to roll with the punches, and to give your best self. It means that you have time to lock in habits that will prepare for the future.

You don't know what you don't know, and switching employers, companies, or leadership exposes you to a firehose of new ideas and personalities. This is the point behind all of it. Examining the ideas, processes, and tools gives you a chance to learn from them.

What are ways to make change enjoyable

With change comes uncertainty. You may question your capabilities or knowledge. However, there are some common sense details to help us in moments of transition. These are facts that are already known, but it helps to remind ourselves!

1. Healthy mind, healthy habits

Healthy mind and healthy habits means positive self talk. It means a challenge to focus on happiness! Examine our identity and check it against who we want to be. Do we need to make changes to our routines to bring the two in alignment? Are our daily habits helping to build us more into who we are in our hearts? Aspire to be your best self because change gives an opportunity to realign our identity and habits with the one that makes us happy.

2. Reading or listening to a book

Reading or listening a book is an encourager in low moments, and moments of transition. Some books reinforce a sense of purpose that can get lost in the day to day grind. If you know you have an upcoming change and you want to enjoy it, a book can be a fantastic way to prepare. Some helpful books for millions of people: Atomic Habits, How to Win Friends and Influence People, The First 90 Days. These books each help craft a plan on how to embrace change and new relationships. A plan means boosted confidence. These are some of the most popular books in the world because they are fantastic at preparing us for the future.

3. Try to have fun

90% of success in life is showing up and trying your best, the other 10% I'll go out on a limb and say is about having fun. Recognize that change is not easy and our brains actually need time to internalize new environments. There is usually periods of mourning for what has been lost. This is normal! Try not to be hard on yourself as you adjust. If you have the ability to take time to yourself before a large change, it's a wonderful idea. Invest in your most important relationships. Have fun and celebrate with people close to you, and don't be afraid to be yourself in your new environment. People appreciate when you bring your whole self to the workplace.

Wrapping up

Big change is coming, but change brings growth. Preparing for change will help us maximize the value and minimize the disruption. Giving ourselves grace throughout the process is necessary. Mourning for what is lost is normal. Look for the definitions, embrace them as best you can. Roll with the punches. After 12 weeks, the change will be replaced with a new sense of normal. Enjoy the ride. I'm looking forward to becoming a Zoomie, how about the rest of my fellow Solvvers. Are you ready for an exciting ride filled with change?

P.S. It's now 12:57am. I'm going to sleep (or rather lay awake with a busy mind trying to imagine the future).