A Silver Lining to Working Remotely

by Liz Cooney, Learning Specialist

For anyone who is new to working at home, the transition may be confusing, frustrating, and a sigh of relief all in one. Without time to prepare for this change, many of us now find ourselves staring at computer screens attempting to focus on our inboxes amidst kids, pets, partners, roommates, or on the contrary, overwhelming silence and isolation. Depending on your personality and your line of work, the change of scenery could be a welcome shift compared to your typical routine. Maybe you are more productive from home without interruptions, meetings, and distractions. For others, the challenges accompanying working from home could cause a lack of motivation and a decrease in productivity. CONTINUE READING...

Can You Get These True or False Questions Right?

Change Quiz

1. 1. T/F When introduced to a change, focusing on the future is the best tactic.
   2. T/F In times of change it is best to focus on fact over emotion.
   3. T/F The number one reason change initiatives fail is that we don’t understand what it involves or requires.
   4. T/F A technique to help navigate change is to borrow from the past, thinking of successes you have had as you navigate through a new change.
   5. T/F Feeling overwhelmed, low energy and low morale are not common effects of change for well-adjusted people.

Have Your Answers Ready?

1. False: Change begins with the ending of something, a loss. It might be loss of a process, a way of doing a task, or the loss of a relationship. In change we must focus first on what we are leaving behind. Dignifying the ending and what we are leaving behind is the first step to navigating change effectively.
2. False: People are emotional creatures, and during times of change people might demonstrate fear, confusion, anger, sadness or any similar emotion. We must expect and plan for emotion, and for find productive ways to process them.
3. True: Change is a process through which we let go, get used to what we left behind and slowly move toward the new until we finally arrive at the new state of being.
4. True: We have experienced many changes in life if we reflect on it. Borrowing from past successes with regard to changes we have made in the past can help us be successful in navigating change in the present.
5. False: These are all common effects of change. If we recognize ahead of time these feelings are normal, we can lessen their hold and the anxiety we may feel because of them.