Embracing change puts you in better position Published Aug. 2, 2006 By Dan Soto Deputy Base Civil Engineer RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The only thing constant Is change. We've all heard the saying before, but like many old sayings, there's a lot of truth to it. The Air Force has been dealing with change since 1947. Although there have been miss-steps, by and large our ability to employ change has made us the best air force in the world. It's my belief our organizational attitude toward change is a product of great leadership and an even greater quality of force. Earlier this year I had the pleasure of listening to a panel of first sergeants pass on their pearls of wisdom. One question asked was, "What's the biggest change since you joined?" They all agreed it's the increased quality of our young Airmen. They challenged our class of new squadron commanders and deputies not to waste that potential. For civil service supervisors like me, "Leading Change" is one of five core competencies we are asked to demonstrate. Trying to put on paper how you have led change is no fun task, but it made me review the changes I've been through in my 16-year association with the Air Force. No matter how the Air Force changed, proactive people and units consistently faired better than those who waited for change to happen to them. It's a known fact that most people don't like change - even if it's for the better. Some philosophers would say aversion to change is what keeps the world in balance. There are normal reactions to change: denial, resistance, subterfuge, submission, apathy, passive acceptance and, wait for it, enthusiastic support! Our current initiatives, Air Force Smart Ops 21, Lean, MOD's People Programme and others, are about trying to do what makes sense. Bottom line: it's a lot easier to win if everyone is playing the game. I know, I know, you're asking, "But Dan, how can little ol' me help foster that mindset?" Enthusiasm is contagious. My wife, Holly, is a teacher, and she is one of the best I've seen at motivating people through her infectious enthusiasm. If you "EMBRACE" change, your entire organization will benefit, and you will be in a better position to handle the changes that come your way. EMBRACE change Expect - change. Be prepared to take advantage of opportunities that come with change. Maintain - focus on the goal, change for the sake of change is wasting time. Believe - you can make a difference. Where there's a will, there's a way. Reinforce - we all need an extra push, or acknowledgement we're on the right track. Advocate - for the resources to enable change, sell your case. Cheer - your teammates and their efforts, big and small, to make smart changes. Encourage - your peers. We all learn, work and play better when we do so with enthusiasm.Change is inevitable. If you don't take advantage of it, it will take advantage of you.