Coping with change is challenging, especially after the year we have just been through.

I’m not talking about the type of change that can be interpreted as a positive outcome, i.e., you receive that promotion you’ve been waiting for, the corresponding salary bump, and the ability to work from home, even now when we are on the heels of recovering from COVID-19.

However, what if you’re given more responsibilities without receiving any pay increase? What if you’re passed over for the promotion and have to watch your former colleague become your new boss? What if your company is being bought out or merged with another company? What if you’re transferred to a new division within the company?

These are the types of changes that can be negatively construed, and it’s essential to learn the right strategies to cope with them.

Being resistant to change and complaining about it leads to more office problems and will reflect poorly on you.

One key to handling change is to change your perspective. You still have a job!  It would help if you also had awareness about yourself, your beliefs, and your reactions, and why you believe these changes are a problem. Understanding this will enable you to shape your responses and respond more appropriately while ridding yourself of misconceptions and incorrect beliefs.

Maybe it’s not what you wanted or expected, but it has taken place, and it’s up to you to be able to adapt. 

That doesn’t mean simply keeping your mouth shut and setting a time bomb within yourself, which will eventually explode, either. Voicing legitimate concerns, having productive communication with colleagues and bosses, brainstorming solutions to issues you’re dealing with are all positive strategies. If you can handle adversity and change while making a positive impact moving forward, you’ll become a valuable company employee.

With the right approach and the right mindset, you can overcome negative changes and respond to them in ways that help your professional presence.