Reinvention and Rebirth: Embracing the Change

by Amber E. Davis

www.freekpik.com

Change is inevitable. Throughout life, change is the only thing that remains constant and how we respond to change can define our success. As leaders within our professions, we can likely recall a time when an organization or leader refused to adapt to change and, as a result, faded into the background. An infamous example of this is Blockbuster Video, a home video rental company who reached its peak in the early 2000s. When technology shifted and people gained access to streaming video, Blockbuster refused to pivot and stuck with its model of brick-and-mortar stores and fees for late returns (Smriti, 2023). We know that this decision did not fare well for them given that the company does not exist anymore, and Gen Z has probably never heard of the company. In the midst of change, we get to decide if we want to be like Blockbuster, or not.

For leaders with optimism and vision, change is viewed as an opportunity to be seized. With courage, a savvy leader can lean into change head on and reap the benefits of being proactive and strategic. For example, generative AI has taken the world by storm and has impacted the personal and professional life of everyone who uses technology. There have been many responses to this change in technology, ranging from fear and avoidance to innovation and invention. Think about how you personally have addressed this change. Have you avoided it at all costs? Or have you sought to learn about it and give it a try?

Before you consider leading a team or organization through change, think about how you personally approach change. Are you reluctant to change, perhaps making as little change as possible to get by? Do you welcome change and see opportunities for doing things in a fresh, new way? These attitudes that you hold will impact your ability and effectiveness in leading change for others. We know that not all change is positive and that changes as a result of tragedy or loss can be difficult; however, even in the midst of these challenging periods of adjustment, effective leaders look for what is within their locus of control or sphere of influence and what positive shifts can be made from a negative catalyst.  If a cloud does not come with a silver lining, a good leader makes one.

Change in our personal and professional lives can be an opportunity for rebirth and reinvention. It may be an opportunity to analyze processes, strategies, and habits and identify what no longer serves you in the new environment. It may be an opportunity to completely start over, but with the knowledge and experiences that you did not have the first time around. Starting over is not shameful, it is noble, because it demonstrates characteristics such as perseverance, determination, and humility. Most successful inventors and entrepreneurs failed with their first inventions or businesses but kept trying until they got it right. Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Rather than pushing back against an inevitable change, embrace it for what it is—an opportunity for rebirth and reinvention.
 
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