Here's how you can navigate organizational changes as a mid-career professional in process design.

We should always be flexible to changes like the way technologies are changing day in day out.And also to the environment as well.

Acknowledge that businesses changes before people do to mature and gear for the future. Knowing this, seek the growth opportunities that the change will present as opposed to challenges.

You were ready to take charge and make change happen. You knew from your studies of organizations and change management that just waiting around for things to get better was not a recipe for success. Yet, as you may have found, being proactive and leading change can lead to negative reactions from others. Here are four tips for making sure that when you open your mouth to advance change, you are in control of the conversation and not just along for the ride.

During my tenure at Zimmer Biomet, we faced a major organizational transformation. Initially, the changes seemed daunting, but I chose to embrace them with an open mind. I adapted my skills, learning new technologies and processes to stay ahead. This proactive approach helped me navigate the transition smoothly, ensuring continued efficiency in our operations. My willingness to adapt not only positioned me as a resilient team member but also influenced others to see change as an opportunity for growth. Embracing change led to positive outcomes, demonstrating that adaptability is crucial for success during transformations.

No knowing what the change entails, how it impacts you, and how your processes are expected to adapt is a great source of frustration and reluctance to change (even if subconscious). Actively equip yourself with the information, familiarising yourself with the information shared and actively engaging will all communication regarding the change. Seek out answers proactively if you have questions and identify business risks.

Make sure you're up to date on the organizational changes. Visiting meetings, reading emails, and talking with coworkers can help you do that. You especially need to know what's going on if the changes seem like they could affect your job in some way. Even better, you can try to look into the future and imagine how the changes might vary your work. That way, you're not taken by surprise, and you can appear helpful by offering insights to your team.

At Extel Technologies, a significant restructuring was announced. To stay informed, I actively sought information from internal memos, meetings, and discussions with management. Understanding the nature of these changes and their implications for my role was crucial. This proactive approach allowed me to anticipate impacts on our processes and prepare accordingly. By staying well-informed, I contributed effectively to discussions about the transition, showcasing my commitment to the organization’s evolution. My preparedness not only eased my own adaptation but also supported my team in navigating the changes smoothly.

Use your experience to effectively navigate shifts. Rely on the understanding you've built over the years to steer your way through the transition. Share your knowledge and practices just as you would in any other situation, but with a particular focus on how your own wisdom and routine carryover can help make it a comfortable and normal when everything around you isn't.

Keep your skills in good order, so that you can change and adapt as required. Recognize any unused or deficient competencies or knowledge areas that the organizational changes might highlight. If possible, get pertinent and reliable training, enroll in any necessary preparatory courses, or find good certification opportunities in the pertinent areas that the changes seem to illuminate. These investments in bettering your skill set and staying savvy with industry trends and changes will give you a good platform from which to work.

At RMIT between 2017-2020, I realized the importance of enhancing my skills to stay relevant. I identified key areas for professional development that aligned with the company's new direction. This included learning new technologies, methodologies, and soft skills essential for my role. I enrolled in online courses and attended workshops, continuously expanding my knowledge. This proactive approach not only fostered my personal growth but also demonstrated my dedication to adapting alongside the organization, ensuring I remained an effective and valuable team member amidst the changes.

The first thing you have to do is strengthen internal relationships within the organization. This means building and then maintaining strong bonds with the people in different departments at the same level you currently hold. People work in teams and cross-functionally on a wide range of issues. So, to work well with them during a time of substantial change, you need to know them well enough that you have a basis of understanding and trust that allows you to work together, even if you don’t always agree.

At the time of working in D2D, I recognized the strategic importance of networking internally. I built relationships with colleagues across various departments to gain insights into how changes were impacting the broader company. These connections opened up new opportunities for collaboration and innovation within my process design projects. By actively networking, I demonstrated my initiative to be involved in the company's future and my commitment to contributing to its success, ultimately enhancing my role and fostering a culture of teamwork and shared goals.

When Zimmer Biomet underwent a major restructuring, I realized the importance of effective communication. I clearly articulated my ideas, concerns, and suggestions regarding the impact of changes on process design. Engaging in dialogue with my team and management ensured that my professional perspective was considered in decision-making. This proactive communication helped align my objectives with those of the organization, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone worked towards a common goal, ultimately ensuring a smoother transition and improved process efficiency.