Monday, September 15, 2014

Growing Pains

Change is the only constant in life. -Heraclitus


My 88-year-old great aunt, the longest living member of our entire extended family (still going strong), has experienced profound changes and challenges throughout her lifetime. Once when I faced a life-defining challenge, she advised, “Life is a grand adventure full of choices…either you grow or you die.”

I choose to grow.


Growth requires change, and growth results in change. Given that change is inevitable, why are people so resistant to change? Why are we not more naturally inclined to embrace change and contribute to growing in productive and positive ways? Why do people dig in their heels defensively when presented with opportunities for growth? Why is change perceived as such a threat?

It has been my observation that fear, insecurity, and ego breeds such ugly defensive behavior and counterproductive resistance to change. Yet, is the fight or flight survival response the only option we have when faced with change? Are the only two options to leave or to behave in a less than collegial manner?


What do we do in times of change? How do we respond to uncertainty, instability, insecurity, bruised morale, loss, a sense of powerlessness, vulnerability and an unknown future? Rather than every man for himself/every woman for herself abandon ship or fight for your turf at all costs, I suggest we all consider an alternative, more productive and collegial approach to challenging changing times.


Here is my 12-step therapy for embracing growing pains in times of change:

         1. Focus on teaching
         2. Provide the highest quality education for students
         3. Invest energy in creating positive learning environments for all involved
         4. Learning makes a difference in everyone’s lives-make a difference daily
         5. Focus on research
         6. Seek out partnerships, collaborations and meaningful projects
         7. Take the initiative to work with integrity with colleagues
         8. Seek first to understand…then to be understood (Stephen Covey)
         9. Focus on service
       10. Extend an attitude of unconditional positive regard to all (Dr. Wayne Dyer)
       11. Seek opportunities to contribute while exemplifying the Golden Rule-it is in giving that we receive (St. Francis Assisi)
       12. Practice random acts of kindness


Let’s embrace change, choose to grow, and navigate this grand adventure together with a spirit of collegiality and integrity. Fight or flight are not our only options.


Thanks to Karin Lewis, Assistant Professor, Department of Educational Psychology & Leadership for her contribution to the CTL Blog.

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