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Embracing Change and Managing a Smooth Transition
Behaviors For Success
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"The secret of success in life is for (one) to be ready for opportunity when it comes."
~ Benjamin Disraeli

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~ J.G. Gallimore

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~ Orison Swett Marden
 

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Issue: # 1 January    
Dennis NeierThis newsletter is Issue #1 from a series of 12. My hope is you find the articles, information, and stories relevant, timely, and useful. Much success to you and your company in 2010!

Focus on Success Factors

One often hears that “attitude is everything” or “attitude equals altitude”. With last year behind us, I believe our biggest challenge for this new year will be our mindset. Many manufacturers have real concerns over the size and timing of our national economic recovery. As a result, most will continue to focus on cost containment and supply chain execution. Our company understands these areas of concern and is dedicated to service excellence. We have a singleness of purpose to provide a competitive advantage for our business partners, add value to their supply chain, and be a solution to cost containment.

Let us keep the Focus, Intensity, Drive, Commitment and Positive Attitude to turn our economy around and create positive changes in our companies.

Dennis R Neier
Embracing Change and Managing a Smooth Transition  

Everyone of us at one time or another has had a moment in our careers (or our lives for that matter) when we have asked ourselves the uncomfortable question, “How much longer can I continue to do what I am doing”.  It is an uncomfortable question as it begins the process of moving out of our current comfort zone to a place in our lives that appears to be of great uncertainty.

Change of any kind or at any level can be a daunting process, but a necessary one for personal and professional growth and development.  Although it is often times easier to just “stay put”, it is far more rewarding to move forward.  Dr. William Bridges, author of Managing Change and Transition, outlines the change process by illustrating the three phases of change as well as what to expect from these phases and what is needed to successfully move through them:

Phase 1:  The first phase of change is what Bridges’ calls “ending”.  This is basically the recognition that the time has come for us to move on.  It is the process of letting go of old patterns and habits before embracing the future. 

Phase 2:  The second phase of the process is that “transition zone”.  People report a feeling of being disconnected from the past, yet emotionally not connected to the present.  This phase can offer a great opportunity for creativity if anxiety and fears are readily managed.   

Phase 3:  And lastly, the “new beginning” phase is one of action as we have finally let go of old patterns and have made a commitment to the life style or change that will accommodate new opportunities.

One of the things we forget to consider when mentoring or coaching someone is the human tendency to resist change.  For example, when a mentoree enters into a mentoring relationship they have made a decision to make potential changes and ultimate transitions in their careers.  Sometimes a mentor will experience this resistance first hand.  It is helpful to know in advance what to be prepared for and how to help a peer or colleague move forward or get “unstuck”.

The following are a few simple ways in which to successfully challenge others to embrace change and make that exciting transition:

*  Construct a personal “Vision Board”.  This is the fun part. Create a list of those goals and objectives that you would really like to see yourself actually accomplishing in the next few years.  Then add those dreams you have been harboring for years.  By actually putting them on to paper, they have now been established as an actual goal.  By formally acknowledging those grand ideas, you are setting into motion where it is you really want to go.

‘To Thy Known Self be True’.  To successfully manage change, we must first know how we, with our different personalities and behaviors, react to change.  For example, are you the type of person who embraces change and will you tend to get bored if things stay the same?  Do you need time to prepare for change?  Do you react positively or negatively to unexpected changes?  By analyzing our own strengths and shortcomings, we are better equipped to embrace change and make smooth transitions.

Seek new Role Models.  You can begin making corrections to your current behaviors and lifestyles by modeling your reactions and patterns to those you most admire and whose positions and lifestyles you hope to someday achieve.  Review again your goals and observe those who are currently living out your very goals, dreams and objectives. Their behaviors and choices have obviously gotten them to where they are today.

The key to successful transition is constant evolvement of our goals, behaviors and dreams. Our personal and professional journeys are just that – a passage from one opportunity or success to another.  Have a great journey! 

Reprint permission by author Alison Sfreddo.

 
Behaviors For Success  
Busy professionals with a strong desire to achieve sometimes fall into slumps which can destroy creative drive. Do your best to avoid these slumps by accepting that you cannot do everything. Delegate responsibilities to others qualified to perform the task. They should share your goals for success.

· Be a lifetime learner - Don't assume you've learned all you need to know. Have a plan for personal growth and work on challenging goals in all areas of your life.

· Be proactive - Solve problems before they occur. Carefully plan procedures to prevent problems and proper handling in the event they do happen.

· Communicate your goals and let others know how they can help you achieve them. Listen carefully to information they provide you.

 
U.S. Aluminum Castings Gets Boeing Quality Endorsement  
New rating removes requirement for site inspection

U.S. Aluminum Castings reports that it has earned recognition as SQS Supplier by Boeing Commercial Airplane Co. As explained by U.S. Aluminum, Boeing’s SQS Suppliers are not required to request a source inspection for the release of completed castings.

<<< Click here to read on >>>

U.S. Aluminum Castings Receives PACCAR Award  
The management at U.S. Aluminum Castings, Entiat, Wash., announced the company has received a 2008 Letter of Recognition from PACCAR, Bellevue, Wash., for its performance at or below 50 PPM quality.

<<< Click here to read on >>>

 
 
Sincerely,

Dennis R NeierUS Aluminum Castings

VP of Business Development
US Aluminum Castings
* E-mail:
dneier@us-castings.com
(Phone 1-509-784-4229
(Cell     1-509-630-8612
:Website:  www.us-castings.com

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