Business mergers might be undertaken with best intentions, but the integration period can be quite stressful for everyone involved. Some people just put their head down and focus on work, hoping everything works out fine. Others dust off the resume and start looking for another job. There is a third option. That is to embrace the change and use it an opportunity for growth.

Assess the Situation

The first thing you need to do is to figure out where you stand. The merger may not have any affect on your organization. It could remain independent of the new company. It’s more likely that change is going to happen. Position yourself as a keeper by using the SWOT analysis. Identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

Insert Yourself Into the Process

Volunteer to be part of the integration team. Use the opportunity to show off your innovative spirit and execution abilities. It may not save your job, but it can position you to move into a new career path in the company. You can sharpen your collaborative skills and go out on a note of cooperation if your job does end. You’ll have a much better reference.

Be Your Own Advocate

Your supervisor might not have the wherewithal to support your own career goals when he or she is facing so much uncertainly. You may have to take the bull by the horns and work with HR or another member of the transition team to participate in the merger instead of becoming a victim.

You will have to be proactive to find your place. A merger is stressful. Control what you can, your reaction, stress levels and emotions. Let go of what you can’t control. Be flexible. It may turn out much better than you ever imagined.

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