Which Do You Prefer?

by Scott Harper

“You can be a champion or a victim of change. There is just one thing you can't avoid - change.”

Dr. Karen Nichols

March 18, 2026

Which is easier for you—to complain about change or adjust to it?

The saying, “The only person who likes change is a wet baby,” seems to accurately capture how most people feel.  

Whether you love it or hate it, one thing you can certainly anticipate: change is coming . . . and coming again . . . and again.

There is no value in stressing whether change is coming. It is.

There’s little value in trying to predict every change that might occur. There are too many variables.

Griping about change is as helpful as jumping on the bed while it’s being made.

The most beneficial goal when facing change is improving your attitude and willingness to adapt.

Learning to welcome, embrace, and support change may make all the difference in your ability to enjoy your work, your relationships, and your life.

SHARPER LEADER:

1.      Do you find yourself naturally reluctant to change?

  • Action Step: Make a list of things that you did not like about a recent change. How many were petty? How many were ego-based?

 

2.      How do you express your feelings about change?

  • Action Step: The only people who enjoy your complaining are other complainers. Set yourself apart by saying encouraging things about the change. If you can’t find anything to be encouraged about, keep digging. Until then, keep your comments to yourself.  

 

3.      Who can you start supporting today?

  • Action Step: You likely know someone navigating a recent change who could use your support. Find a way to encourage them.

 

Before next week’s The Sharper Minute: Encourage one person facing a difficult change. If you need encouragement, ask someone to help you find a silver lining. When they offer one, don’t argue—just accept. 

Recommended book:

Physician Leadership book

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