Change is a part of life, and for a trader, it can be a problem or an opportunity. Here's how a trader can make sure it's not a problem.
In recent times, I have received countless calls from floor traders on their concerns regarding their move to a new building and/or a new floor. Some of their concerns: Are the new pits too large? Will people be able to see the orders being placed? Will the change in the positioning of the pits and the traders upset their relationships to each other? Will traders from the smaller pits be able to see into the larger pits?For other floor traders, the mere act of rearranging the pits spells trouble. Haunting fears and questions keep invading their focus and affecting their performance equilibrium. These changes have thrown everything out of balance for these traders, and a loss of equilibrium is a serious matter for any trader.
THE CHANGES THAT CHANGES BRINGIf minor or subtle changes can result in the disruption of
performance equilibrium, can
you imagine the effect that
major changes have on a trader's performance? Whenever there is a change of any kind, our
nervous system is affected.
This connection between the energy invested in a relationship versus the energy released by a change in that relationship means that you can predict if the effects of a change will be of minor discomfort or major discomfort. The shift that results from a move to a new parking space will probably be perceived to be small. Of course, if the original parking space was a status-loaded perquisite or reward that was taken away, the result of the move to a less-prestigious space could be quite significant emotionally. The result could then be feelings of inadequacy, depression, anger or resentment.On the other hand, the shift that results from a floor trader being moved from his position in the pit or his entire pit being moved or radically changed is, by definition, very significant. The result could be overwhelming feelings of discomfort, anxiety, fear and anger, as well as physical changes such as loss of appetite, insomnia, heart palpitations and high blood pressure as well as an inability to cope with cold, noise or any other kind of stress.
