Be flexible and open to change

Do you know how to work the office copy machine?

Yes, I could probably quit my job and become a full time copy repair person!

No, if that blinking red light comes on one more time - I will officially lose it!

Sometimes, our copy machine can be pretty moody!

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When you get used to something—

when it's always been there and you count on it always being there—it's often very uncomfortable when it changes. The longer something is a certain way, the more people expect—and want—it to remain the same. They become content and sometimes even complacent.

But things usually change for a reason. Maybe something wasn't working properly and was out of date, or perhaps a better way of doing it came along. Or maybe something simply could be improved and was changed.

If something has already changed there is probably nothing you can do about it and it's a waste of time to fight it or feel sorry or wonder why. Be flexible. And try to imagine all the good things that might happen as a result of change. The Feeling if uncertainty with a new situation is normal. Don't be quick to judge a new position or set of circumstances. You could miss out on a great experience! Snap judgments may prevent you from having opportunities and experiences that are very positive and beneficial to your future.

Work environments are always changing. It's difficult to imagine doing your job without computers, PDA's cell phones, voicemail, email, fax machines, copy machines, and other devices. Yet at one time it was hard for many people to adjust to them—the same people who now can't imagine life as it "use to be"!

Life is always changing. The more easily you can adapt, the more successful, happy, and appreciated you will be.

As a business owner and employer for the past 25 years, Melinda Howard Erickson has hired, retired, managed, mothered, and mentored hundreds of employees. She has guided employees of all levels through a variety of challenges, including managing client relationships, working with colleagues, developing leadership skills, improving communications, and navigating personal and professional difficulties. This extensive experience has enabled her to identify the most important qualities that make an employee truly great. She is also the author of Work Smart and Enjoy Your Job!