Change can be a scary thing for many people, myself included. I am a creature of habit and prefer things to be repeatable and a process. But, as we all experience in life, the old things that have become routine and the habits we have formed may no longer serve us in healthy and productive ways.

This is true in the business world as well. Often us proposal folks who have been in the trenches long enough have methods and practices we prefer, and we become rigid in our beliefs on how the proposal process should run and the roles and responsibilities found within. Or perhaps our managers stifle room for growth by the desire for everyone to stay in their lanes because it makes them more comfortable. Maybe you’re a woman, competing in a male-dominated environment…or maybe it’s an entire company that knows they need to do things differently but can’t get out of their own way.[intense_blockquote width=”33%” rightalign=”1″]”The definition of insanity is repeating the same behaviors and expecting a different outcome.” Albert Einstein[/intense_blockquote]

So, what to do about it? How do you overcome your personal fears or people in the workplace or a cultural belief system? This thought provokes a memory in my mind of something my mother used to say to us in times of hardship: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” It is not realistic to think that you can achieve the results you desire by continuing to do the same things over and over.

Things must change. And sometimes, they will whether you want them to or not, and you don’t want to be left behind. In industry, the best way to ensure that this does not happen is to embrace the fact that things change and to stay engaged so that you are a part of the movement and not an obstacle. Network. Meet new people, explore new businesses. Never be afraid to go on an interview that could change your life or hire a person that is different than you’re used to. Reevaluate your processes and collect feedback from those who participate in them to learn what would work best for your team or company. Identifying the specific areas of your life or business that you want to improve and then collecting information and planning is the best approach to effective changes. Keep an open mind and don’t rule things out just because you’re uncomfortable. Take risks. Lean on those who are excited about making a difference.

Last year was a big year for change in our chapter. Hopefully you didn’t even notice most of it! The board was busy streamlining our processes, cutting costs, and finding new and innovative ways to offer you more opportunities for professional development, growth, and FUN! This year is all about reaping what we have sown and giving it all back to you as members. We are so excited to learn with you and look forward to seeing you or hearing from you at one of our many events in 2019!

Yours in success,

Rebecca Link

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  • Rebecca Link

    Rebecca Link, CP APMP, President, APMP-NCA. Prior to joining the industry ten years ago, Rebecca completed her Master’s degree in Public Administration and has since fast-tracked her growth to become a Sr. Proposal Manager and Orals Coach at GDIT. She has served on the Board for the NCA Chapter for four years, most recently supporting as Chapter President, and she has played an integral role in leading the chapter’s functions and improving member benefits and board processes. In 2017, she received the award for “Up and Coming Board Member” and was named one of APMP’s Top 40 Under 40. A member of APMP for nine years, Rebecca has her Practitioner Level Certification.

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