The time is right for change. As winter passed, paddocks were ploughed and weeded ready for sowing new summer pastures of rye grass and millet. As we welcome spring rain (fingers crossed!) and sunshine, now is the best time for new crops to thrive.

Like most things in life, timing is everything for those on the land. And in the 15 years I've spent implementing change in business, I'd say the same for any significant change initiative. Yet how many times have you seen a project rushed through, cut short or implemented at the wrong time? The result? Anxiety, uncertainty, chaos and even failure.

We all know that change is inevitable, that it's ever present. And we need a certain amount of change to stay relevant and challenged in any environment. But for most people, change is simply one big headache!

The good news is that - just like planting a new crop - there are a number of things you can do to increase your likelihood of implementing change successfully. So before you begin your next project, ask yourself these 4 questions:

Are you ready for change?

1. Appetite - is the need for the change understood and agreed, and what benefit will it deliver? It's obvious on the farm that we need summer crops for food and to support the breeding cycles of our herds; but not every change is as "life and death" as this. 2. Resources - have you committed the right resources to ensure the change can be implemented effectively? Have you got the right people, budget and tools on hand to do the job effectively and keep momentum going after the project team has packed up and moved on to the next job? 3. Timing - is it the right season to begin this change? Are the current conditions going to help or hinder success? For example, can enough energy be directed at this program, or are there too many distractions or competing priorities. 4. Preparation - have you done enough groundwork so the change can take root and flourish? This could include briefing staff, customers and other stakeholders on what to expect, and conducting appropriate training and skilling to support the new processes or procedures.

While answering these questions won't guarantee the outcome you're looking for, it will certainly increase your likelihood of success. And remember, only when you sow the seeds can you reap the rewards.

About the author | Jen Dalitz is a business consultant, farmer, author and speaker on topics relating to leadership, managing change and bringing authenticity to business. She specializes in helping organisations and individuals to get real and get results. As the founder and SheEOTM of sphinxx - a community dedicated to advancing women as leaders - Jen is also an expert on the issues women face in forging their careers. She is the author of 'Little Wins for Working Women'.

Jen Dalitz: Profile

It is ANZAC day 2006, an earthquake causes a rock fall in the Beaconsfield gold mine. Fourteen miners escaped safely.

Search and rescue operations begin to locate three missing miners...

It is not until five days later, Sunday 30th April, Todd Russell and Brant Webb were found alive, trapped almost a kilometre underground.

That same day, Darren Flanagan received a phone call...

That one phone call changed his life from that of an ordinary family man, to a real Australian hero, responsible for "the great escape".

Darren Flanagan has a highly emotional and exciting story. He takes you back to the Beaconsfield Mine accident, and through the journey of how an ordinary man can become extraordinary in the face of fear, unbelievable pressure, and immense physical and emotional challenges.

Using specialist explosives Darren Flanagan began blasting his way toward the two trapped men.

He worked in a 16 metre long cracked and broken tunnel, just one metre in diameter and almost 925m beneath the earth's surface for 29 hours straight, soaked to the bone from ice cold water.

Firing that very first shot was the hardest thing Darren will ever do in his life. He was petrified and so were Todd and Brant.

Every other method to reach the boys had already been tried and failed. The blasting was a last resort. Darren was their only chance. Darren Flanagan crawled over razor sharp rocks, letting off 65 explosions - all the time in contact with Todd and Brant by phone. The tension in the air as Darren prepared the final shot was unbelievable.

Amazingly, Darren was able to bring the rescuers to within less than 300 millimetres of Todd and Brant. Rescue operations had continued for nearly two weeks in total. Todd and Brant were freed on Tuesday 9th May.

About Darren Flanagan
Darren Flanagan is an intelligent and articulate individual with a warm, caring personality. His story of the human spirit, endurance and triumph, has earned this reluctant hero, a place in Australian History.

Darren Flanagan: Profile

Maggie Dent is an author, publisher, professional speaker and global resilience consultant specializing in building personal and professional resilience. Maggie is a unique humanitarian with the ability to initiate transformation and positive change while creating a sense of self mastery and optimism for one's life and future. With a wide background of experience, as well as being an accelerated learner, and innovative thinker and passionate communicator, there is seldom a dull moment when Maggie is around.

Maggie has written a quirky little book called "Black Duck Wisdom" that has become a global favourite by accident! The simple wisdoms that are revealed in Black Duck Wisdom when applied to the working world provide insight and innovative ways of resolving challenge and resistance, and improving your bottom line. This is a light, thought provoking and deceptively powerful way to learn how to build resilience BEFORE life knocks you flat! Free copy of book included in half and full day seminars.

"Every day is a new beginning. Those of you who choose to drag a lousy yesterday (kicking and screaming) into a new day - don't blame anyone but yourself for the Nature of your life." Black Duck Wisdom

Maggie Dent: Profile

Those tap guys, will arrest audiences' attention with their sharp look. They will astound audiences with their skill, enthral with their acrobatics and charm with their fun and cheeky personalities. Those tap guys are five exceptional performers with a corporate performing pedigree of 10 years. With heart stopping music, hip hop dancing and acrobatics, their 'funk' show will captivate audiences and energise any function. Those tap guys' swing set will add class to any event with clever, rhythmic tapping cool swing music and engaging humour. Those tap guys provide a truly memorable event!

Those Tap Guys: Video

Ooh James: Profile