Today we face unprecedented marketplace challenges for our business and our careers. The economy takes one step forward and one backward almost daily. How to deal with the uncertainty of this as leaders? Well for one, being a student of change is critical to all of us today. We have a choice every day. Are you the victim? I lost my job and it is their fault! Or my sales are down and there is nothing I can do about it! Or will you learn to embrace change; maybe even relish in exploiting it. Yes taking full advantage of it. There is on old proverb,” Now that the barn is down I can see the moon.” In action there is always something to take advantage of. To use to your advantage.
 
There is something to be said to being a student of change and knowing the phases of it:

1. Blame. It is not your fault at all.
2. Acceptance. It has happened and there is nothing I can do about it.
3. Embrace it. I know it is a way of life and I am willing get on board.
4. Exploit it. I intend to make the change itself. I am going to take advantage of change around me and use it for good. To make improvements.

As a leader this has a real impact on how we handle the day to day. We are in the era now of relatively limited growth markets and where demand is quite limited. This has a tremendous impact on our approach to business and the environment we create. What should we be thinking about? I may have more questions than answers.

1. How do we rethink careers paths in an environment of limited growth?
2. How do we make the right investments in our business that actually get a return?
3. How does your business model transition to this new era and make money?
4. Are you actively involving employees in your business?  Gathering their ideas as they talk to customers?
5. Are you willing to reinvent your leadership persona?

As a leader in an entrepreneurial business over the last 20 or so years I have seen leadership success and setback. The common denominator is a willingness to embrace change that is rooted in good instincts and hard work to gather information as you make strategic directional changes to the business. Nothing stays the same. Leaders must be willing to shed legacy thinking and be willing to cannibalize their own success and know that destruction is part of the process of business success!