There are multiple perspectives on the answer, and it depends on who you ask. For some –they never stopped working. For others, it means their workplace location has changed from a physical building to working remotely and wavering with Zoom fatigue. Unfortunately for many in the United States, it means there is no more work to go to. The common denominator here is having the ability to cope amidst complexity, conflicting feelings all accompanied by the uncertainty of what’s next.

In the words of our CEO, Janet M. Harvey, “2020 is the year of no return.” No one has escaped the weight of change resulting from the pandemic. Our lives have changed affecting everything, everyone and in every possible scenario we use to call our normal. From our home screen we have now witnessed and experienced unforgettable social and racial unrest that implores us to re-educate ourselves and choose right action as we invite change vis a vis social progress in its many facets.

Paradox #1: The push and pull of changes are happening simultaneously. The undesirable effect of the pandemic with all its uncertainty and anxiety and wanting to put effort to effect change for racial and social equity.

Paradox #2: While it seems like the job is out there, it is in here. Before we go out and make change in the world, we must work to change the world within us. Now is the time to reflect on what you are learning and how to apply that to your life in every aspect.

Our brains are conditioned to respond and react to habits we have developed from our prior experiences. The good news is that we have the capacity to create new neuropathways that enable us to change our response, reactions and behaviors to adapt to intention, context and changing circumstances. Here’s a quote that inspires me during this challenging year:

“Circumstances don’t make the person; they reveal them to themselves.” Epictetus

With the magnitude of change that faces today’s leaders, your first step grants you new awareness. As you pay attention to what has been revealed to you what are you noticing?

• Are your priorities different?
• Are your values in alignment and is there another value or two that now beckons your inclusion?
• How do they apply to you, your work and your vision for the workplace climate that will enable you to grow, expand and have the conditions of satisfaction for what you do?
• What supports the letting go of past control and constraints to accelerate your ability to be agile with change?

Take a Pause. We are in this together. You don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Creating a new blueprint for returning to work better than before empowers who you are and your contributions.

We believe there are 4 factors to explore – Wisdom-Head, Humanity-Heart, Courage-Gut, and Resilience-Spirit. To partner with our client/leaders build what’s next, inviteCHANGE created a 3-step process.

For more information go to: https://www.invitechange.com/r...

And, please send me your comments at karen.steckler@invitechange.com.

By Karen Steckler, PCC
inviteCHANGE Chief Relationship Officer