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©Arlene R. Taylor PhD Realizations Inc
Dictionaries often have very long lists related to defining “change.” Here is a sampling:
- The act, process, or result of modifying something (an alteration in facial expression)
- To cause to be different (an alteration in the spelling of a word)
- The replacing of one thing for another as in substitution (an alteration in ownership)
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A transition from one state, condition, or phase to another (the passage of seasons or time as in the process of aging)
And then there are all the idioms such as to change:
- Hands - To pass from one owner to another
- One's mind - To alter a previously held opinion
- One's tune – To reverse an original approach, position, or attitude
Change can be discomfiting for many individuals, especially when they perceive little or no control over the events or situations that created the alterations, or perceive a lack of opportunity to provide input. For example:
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Forced relocation for career or occupation (e.g., downsizing, bankruptcy)
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Divorce or separation (especially when desired more by one party)
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A catastrophic event (e.g., flood, hurricane, fire)
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The death of a parent or loved one that turned life upside down
And then there are all the myriad changes that can occur in families, schools, churches, and organizations. Sometime an accumulation of small changes can be as overwhelming as one big change. Even changing something by choice (e.g., going back to school, partnering, changing occupations or residence) can be stressful.
Initiating or participating in change is likely to be more successful when you understand that one’s approach to change may differ dramatically based on the person’s innate energy advantage.
Following are examples of the way in which individuals might approach change based on innate brain lead.
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Left Frontal Lobe
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Right Frontal Lobe
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Individuals who have their energy advantage in this division tend to:
- Avoid change unless it must be utilized to achieve goals
- Consider change if the changes will expedite winning and the change seems logical
- Want to direct the change and maintain control of the process, or delegate to others
- Be somewhat insensitive and dictatorial during the change process and alienate others
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Individuals who have their energy advantage in this division tend to:
- Love change simply for the pleasure of change itself
- Initiate change to solve problems, add variety to life, and avoid boredom
- Think and act intuitively and spontaneously, and inspire others to participate
- Become impatient and bored with details and routines, and may withdraw if the change causes conflict that cannot be easily resolved
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Left Posterior Lobes
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Right Posterior Lobes |
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Individuals who have their energy advantage in this division tend to:
- Resist change
- Consider change if it’s a life-and death issue, or the change is practical and proven
- Want to deliberate about the change and, if at all possible, maintain the status quo
- Accurately incorporate change into an already existing routine if necessary—but may sabotage the whole process based on fear of change
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Individuals who have their energy advantage in this division tend to:
- Acquiesce to change
- Accept change if it is beneficial to all and promotes harmony
- Want to discuss change thoroughly, include everyone in the discussion, and minimize conflict
- Help to smooth the process if they get on board (but with high levels of concern about harmony, they can cause delay in implementing the change or even sabotage a project)
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Managing Change
You can choose to access any function in any portion of your brain to help you respond to or initiate change. To paraphrase the words of Brian Tracy, master change rather than allowing it to master you. And above all, consciously use your brain for success when managing it! When change is necessary or beneficial, access all portions of your cerebrum as necessary to be successful. Alternatively, collaborate with others who have a different brain lead: each of you bringing your giftedness to the table.
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Left Frontal Lobe
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Right Frontal Lobe
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To manage the change process
- Set realistic and measurable goals
- Identify and select the best options for optimizing the likelihood of attaining the goals
- Prioritize steps to follow
- Manage willpower needed to realize the change
- Direct the change
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To manage the change process:
- Be visionary and innovatively imaginative related to the change
- Brainstorm available options
- Visualize desired outcome
- Embrace the calculated risk of the change
- Pursue your dreams and follow through
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Left Posterior Lobes
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Right Posterior Lobes
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To manage the change process:
- Organize routines
- Follow schedule carefully
- Strive to do things right
- Practice, practice, practice...
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To manage the change process:
- Create a support system
- Seek harmony among the components
- Embrace personal growth related to the change
- Encourage yourself and others as you move through the process
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