Pensions Conference 2012: Review of Workshop C3 - Dealing with change and the unexpected

“When all else fails, always remember to change your socks!”

This was a light-hearted and interactive session covering how to develop confidence in dealing with unexpected change.  Jennifer discussed the “3 As”:

• Acceptance – acknowledging that unexpected change will happen.
• Awareness – being observant and preparing for change.
• Anticipation – recognising the impact of unexpected change.

She also considered possible mind sets in reacting to change including:

• The “moan zone” – this may make you feel better for a while but you should try to turn it into a catalyst for growth.
• The “move groove” – planning for change and embracing it.

Using the analogy of “How many uses can you think of for a brick?”, Jennifer got us thinking about what else we can do beyond the obvious when faced with a challenge (answers included - to remove limescale from a toilet, as a bin lid and, worryingly, to throw!).  This helped us consider:

• What options are available to me when faced with a challenge?
• What do I do well and what skills do I need to develop?
• What actions can I take to improve my skills?

She encouraged us to set goals for ourselves in order to help us make better decisions, to help us react better to change and to allow us to decide where we are going in life.Jennifer also gave us advice on dealing with setbacks.  Her suggestions included:

• Accept that setbacks will occur.
• Go back and review your goals.
• Read about people who inspire you.

She summarised by highlighting that change gives us choice and it’s up to us how we deal with it.  Her parting comment was “When all else fails, always remember to change your socks!”.