We exist in such a rapidly-changing environment. Technology is moving along so quickly it seems things change with the blink of an eye. So how do you anticipate changes that directly affect your team? Being informed is the key that can unlock the door. But, how do you stay informed and minimize information overload?

* Have team members communicate proactively about important changes. Fire-fighting takes a lot more time and energy than being prepared. Additional time to prepare for changes often makes the difference in how well changes are handled.

* Deal with issues while they are still manageable. As problems grow or changes occur, the "snowball effect" can cause an issue which is initially small to become too large for anyone to handle.

* Minimize the impact of change. If a problem is not addressed in a timely manner, it can expand to affect other areas outside the team. Addressing it proactively can keep the impact of the change within the team's sphere of control.

* Focus your teams energy appropriately. The amount of time and energy needed to control problems or prepare for changes is directly related to how proactively these issues are identified.

* Avoid information gaps. When team members have all the relevant information about critical changes, everyone has a more complete picture of their work environment.

Denise O'Berry

With more than two decades of operational and management experience, Denise O'Berry has developed a sharp eye for how businesses get bloated with inefficiencies, cross-purposes and miscommunication -- and how they can retool for a sleeker, smoother, strategically focused organization.

An entrepreneur who quickly built her own successful consulting business, she helps other small business owners set priorities, take action to grow their business and create the balance they want between life and work. Her clients have ranged from telecommunications giants like Verizon to Mom-and-Pop retail shops with a primary focus on those having 10 or fewer employees and up to $2.5 million in annual sales.

Denise frequently speaks to professional organizations, is the author of three booklets, and several "how-to" manuals. She writes a weekly small business column, hosts an online small business owners forum and is called upon regularly by publications such as Entrepreneur, Bank Rate Small Business, Florida Trend, Inc., various newspapers, radio and television to provide expert comments on small business issues.