Right at the beginning of the new year, I, along with a few other consultants, took part in a feature article in the business section of The Birmingham News. We answered several questions about how to adjust and adapt to our changing economy and how to simply work smarter. One of the questions we answered was in anticipation of the recent change in government. I’m now sharing this back and forth in the current series of Points. (To see the first couple of questions—about New Year resolutions and important To-Do’s—and my answers to them, go to www.corsini.com and click on e-newsletters to access our archived Points.)

So now let’s continue our conversation with the newspaper’s third question, followed by my answer:

“Should the fact that we have a new incoming president cause businesses to consider anything out of the ordinary this year?”

First of all, I encourage everyone to support the president no matter what your political persuasion. He’s our country’s leader—and he deserves a chance. That said, I believe we are working in unusual times, which require extraordinary leadership that is flexible, forward-thinking and quick to respond to changes.

We’re looking at a new leader with a different political agenda. Executives should anticipate change and prepare their organizations to be adaptable and accepting of change and any new issues that go along with it.

Barack Obama ran on a platform of change, and change can be a very good thing. There’s no denying that some things in our country and economy need to change. My advice is this: Don’t fight it; instead, adapt and embrace opportunities to succeed within the changes that most certainly are coming our way.

As I’m writing this Point and looking over the answer I gave the newspaper, I realize just how important it is to pay attention to what’s going on around you and then respond as needed. President Obama has already initiated several changes through executive orders, and our government is having to adapt to work with them. (He even told his own senior staff—on the very day they were sworn in—to tighten their belts and work within a pay freeze.) As we know all too well, things aren’t so different in the private sector. In my executive coaching sessions, I’m encouraging participants to respond quickly and decisively to this changeable economy. Some of these responses won’t be popular; but tough times call for tough measures. Step up. Take charge.


There is no doubt that our world is changing more and more each day. There is also no doubt that these unusual circumstances call for extraordinary leadership. Sometimes this means making changes. But change can be a very good thing. Be flexible in your approach to work, and respond quickly and intelligently to changes around you. Don’t fight change; instead look for ways to make it work for you.

Next week, we’ll look even more closely at what changes business should consider making in the current economic climate. Meanwhile, if you know of someone who would benefit from our Point of the Week messages, please email Briana Dudley at briana@corsini.com and she will be happy to add them to our subscription list.