famous inventor once said, "The world hates change; yet it is the only thing that has brought progress."

A famous Clint Eastwood poster shows him holding a 47 magnum with a caption saying, "Go ahead, make one more change." And that's exactly the way we all react to change sometimes.

Let's take a look at some common reactions to change and the proactive—rather than reactive—steps you can take to survive in an ever-changing workplace. Change is ultimately an opportunity for growth for individuals as well as organizations. Yet there are three common shockwaves that we inevitably experience before that opportunity for growth happens. These common reactions are:

1. Uncertainty and ambiguity. You start to wonder about the future of the organization and your role, and you start to brace yourself for the whitewater ahead.

2. Mistrust. The trust level throughout the organization takes a nosedive. Skepticism, cynicism and insecurity become the modus operandi of the organization. Communication, which is a problem in the best of times, can become nonexistent. All the rules of gossip prevail, resulting in exaggeration, wishful thinking and distortion of the truth. People begin to fill in missing information with speculation that soon becomes rumor. Upper management may seem oblivious to this fact of organizational life by assuming that no communication should be officially released until all the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed.

3. Self-preservation. Strapping on our coat of armor may become the organizational watchword. Looking out for No. 1 becomes crucial. And backstabbing can take on a whole new definition in times of change. Aggressive behavior, vying for position, self-aggrandizement can become the cultural norms. Another strategy may be lying low, staying out of the line of fire and waiting for the smoke to clear, or simply surviving by not offending.

How can you ensure your survival? You will undoubtedly feel the pangs of organizational stress, but the following steps can ensure that you land on your feet:

1. Plan for a changing world. Fighting change and wishing for the good old days is whistling in the dark. New technology, new equipment, new attitudes are the order of business today. As a professional, seek out opportunities to continue to learn and keep abreast of the latest developments in your field. Take advantage of in-house and outside training offered by your organization. Be proactive in career change.

2. Networking is the key to survival in today's work world. If your industry has a professional society, join it. If there's a professional journal, subscribe to it. Not only will this ensure that you keep abreast of changing technology in your field, but attending society meetings provides an opportunity for you to meet and talk with people in your area of expertise. This can lead to new and creative solutions to everyday problems.

Remember, the Greeks invented the wheel a long time ago, so you don't have to reinvent it. Getting involved in Committees not only provides professional growth but helps you become well-known in the industry.

Gold watches, rocking chairs and lifetime employment are not a part of today's business environment. Downsizing, right-sizing, restructuring and layoffs are. Today, many jobs are filled not through newspaper ads and search firms but through an informal process called networking. Networking through professional societies and organizations is your surest prescription for survival.

3. Flexibility is the key to surviving today's changing work environment. Organizations are looking for flexible, adaptable workers. When your organization changes its management practices, implements new procedures, installs new equipment, do you accept it willingly or do you resist? Resistance is a common reaction to change, but it ultimately will result in failure.

Above all, when organizational change occurs, learn everything you can about the change—make it work. Many organizations say they want to know if you have a problem, but in reality, most companies don't want to hear about it. If you're known as an employee whose reaction to change is complaining, fighting and resisting, you may find yourself facing the biggest change of all—unemployment.