Course Objectives:

The prospect of change is daunting. But, as every cheesy motivational poster will tell you, change presents huge opportunities. Change agility is the skill of turning to face the strain, and being better for it. “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change” Charles Darwin

At times it feels that the only constant is change. It’s hard enough keeping up with changes at home, let alone at work. Ongoing changes in systems and practices can challenge our professional self. Not only do the goal posts keep moving, but the game has changed. Yet moving on from familiar practices and embracing new approaches can be a catalyst for a newer, better self to emerge and grow. How then is it possible to not just survive, but thrive in such uncertain environments? Change agility is a skill that can be built up through practice and reflection. It involves building belief in yourself, building effective personal and social resources, and building an empowering change strategy. It’s easier said than done. This is because our current ability to be agile is hampered by our past reactions.

Ingrained threat responses, unchallenged assumptions and a default of learned helplessness all stand in our way. The first part of the battle is identifying these patterns, challenging the beliefs that underpin them, and making a strategy for embracing the future. Those who thrive in change aren’t simply ‘change junkies’. They carefully craft a set of inoculating resources to minimize threats and maximize opportunities. They understand they can’t control everything, but they appreciate that neither are they controlled by everything. They embrace new ideas and try new ways to desensitize themselves from the threat of change. Become one of those people.