Change... I Don't Like It, or Do I?

Safe Call Now President and Founder Sean Riley

As we enter into summer and the changing of the seasons once again it got me wondering about “change” and how it impacts us.  Change can be scary, fun, exciting and terrifying all at the same time.  Do any of us like to change?  I propose to you… if we don’t embrace change, we don’t grow personally.  Change is something I’m not a big fan of but it is mandatory if I want to become the person who I want to be.  Genuine, loving, self-reliant and all those characteristics I admire.

I made the big geographical move one year ago.  After 25 years living in one place I packed up and moved 300 miles to the east (still near a large airport of course) to a city I’ve never lived in before.  I learned to dance in the rain all of those years and as my life has grown and I’ve seen the world out there, it is time to learn more about life and experience all it can bring.

When I was in my addiction I was the preverbal “people pleaser” as I never wanted to confront issues or upset the balance of my life.  I wanted everything to just stay “status quo” and not hurt anyone’s feelings or my own.  By doing so all I did was compromise my self-esteem to make others happy.  I sacrificed myself for the benefit of others.  I thought this was noble as I put others first.  You know the old saying when you’re in an airplane…  You can’t help others put on the oxygen mask until you put yours on first!!!

#1stresponders... Do I Need to Change???

By Safe Call Now's Steve Gutzler

Former President Woodrow Wilson said, "If you want to make enemies, change something." Few of us, if we are honest, welcome change. I used to think leaders welcomed change and followers didn't, but the truth is people don't like change, especially first responders.

Not all change is good. It takes thought and wisdom to select the right change personally and professionally. The good news is, the right change can lead to growth and breakthrough.

I'd like to offer four keys on how to lead change:

1. Don't make cosmetic change, get to the core – 

Always ask yourself, what or who is at the core the core that needs to be changed? A surface level change can cause pain and disruption. Cosmetic changes only delay growth and positive results. 

For example, I just arrived back from Washington DC where I spent time with the president of a dynamic and growing company I'll be working with. They recently noticed long-standing employees leaving. Upon exit interviews they discovered an erosion of company morale and values.

Instead of making surface level changes, they surveyed their staff and are now aggressively making the proactive change to renew the culture, morale, and personal development of each team member. They are doubling down on investing in their team – that's called transformational change. Positive change. The right change.

Change is Hard for the First Responder!!!

By Safe Call Now®'s Steve Gutzler

Former President Woodrow Wilson said, "If you want to make enemies, change something." Few of us, if we are honest, welcome change. I used to think leaders welcomed change and followers didn't, but the truth is people don't like change, especially first responders.

Not all change is good. It takes thought and wisdom to select the right change personally and professionally. The good news is, the right change can lead to growth and breakthrough.

I'd like to offer four keys on how to lead change:

1. Don't make cosmetic change, get to the core

Always ask yourself, what or who is at the core the core that needs to be changed? A surface level change can cause pain and disruption. Cosmetic changes only delay growth and positive results. 

For example, I just arrived back from Washington DC where I spent time with the president of a dynamic and growing company I'll be working with. They recently noticed long-standing employees leaving. Upon exit interviews they discovered an erosion of company morale and values.

Instead of making surface level changes, they surveyed their staff and are now aggressively making the proactive change to renew the culture, morale, and personal development of each team member. They are doubling down on investing in their team – that's called transformational change. Positive change. The right change.

2. Focus forward, let go of the past 

The death of any organization is six words, "We've always done it that way." To go up, clean up. Let go of yesterday's failures and successes. Focus 100% of your energy on today. Focus forward and don't be afraid of making positive changes that release new ideas, new innovations, new team members, new ways that allow a stream-lined approach.

Work smarter not harder. Here is a revolutionary change you may consider: it may be time to change the way we work. According to the 2013 study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Greece is #1 in terms of hours worked, Poland #2, Hungary #3. Their productivity, # 18, #24, #25, respectively. Working fewer but more focused hours Dutch #1, Germans #2, and Norwegians #3… #4, #7, and #1 in productivity, respectively.

Allowing for quality breaks, workouts, and life-balance actually increases productivity up to 27%. That is powerful change, smart change, healthy change for sustainable growth and well-being!