Excuse the violent metaphor for dealing with unforeseen change in the business world but it is too good to pass by.  And, for the record I believe anyone who actually does hit someone should go to jail or time-out (depending on their age). Anyway, back to the metaphor. Taking a hit at work is when you mess-up, screw-up, get passed over for the promotion that your boss said was a “done deal” or your pay plan changes (and not for the better) or your company is sold or suddenly relocated to the other side of the country. You get the idea.

What Do You Do When You are Hit?

Well hitting-back certainly comes to mind and if we are staying with the metaphor then you have to actually get back up first. How and what you do next is largely up to you and can dramatically affect your future at work and home. Here are a few tips to consider when that gut-wrenching email, meeting or rumor comes your way:

First: Do nothing. That’s right. Do nothing at all. Don’t send the email or make the call or send the letter or have that conversation. Just take it in. Do nothing. You need a day to think about this if you don’t have a day, take an hour a minute or a walk. But do nothing with your first impulse.

Second: De-personalize the situation. While this dramatically affects you; it is not necessarily about you. Chances are this change is part of a much bigger issue that you may not have the details about—and likely never will. Try and imagine what those issues might be. Your next move will be a lot smarter, more tactical and strategically beneficial to you if you can temporarily take your personal feelings out of the equation.

Third: Make a list of what you believe in. Not what you think or do—what you believe. And not just work beliefs—true, deep down, life beliefs. What do you believe about adversity? About change? About integrity?

Now is your chance to live by those beliefs and make your next move.

“People never fail to amaze me. They face the unimaginable with a shot of grace and a rush of adrenaline; they steel their nerves; they summon their cool or anger or faith or whatever it takes to pull them through, and they go on to live another day.” -OPRAH WINFREY, O Magazine, Apr. 2007

CAREER CHANGE READINESS QUIZ

Though the prospect of a new start is refreshing don’t forget the fundamentals of having an eye-catching and current resume, writing a great cover letter, brushing up on your interview skills, and most of all presenting yourself as the complete package! Before you take that leap, take this quick quiz to make sure you are completely prepared.

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