Yes, there has always been change. Since our forbearers tried to start a fire to fry up some succulent saber-toothed tiger steaks, change has been dancing across the stage of humanity. From Model Ts to Mr. T, from polio to aids, from hula hoops to Facebook, we have been riding the waves of change onto the next "big idea" beach.

But, in our 21st century world, change has morphed into chaos. And, chaos, if you have not noticed, now rules.

There are five trends in our chaotic "new normal," if they are not understood and examined, can hand you and your workplace a pink slip.

Technology is constantly reinventing itself. After you and you colleagues master a new software program you will then discover there are now "updates" requiring a whole new menu of skills.

Or how about when your latest laptop computer has been eclipsed by a handheld device with twice the memory and improved Internet connectivity?

Then there is the automobile you just purchased last month comes standard with GPS, iPod ports and hands-free mobile phone reception...and you are reading the instructions...for the fourth time.

The challenge of obsolescence is becoming emotionally comfortable with devices and systems which quickly become out-of-date. If you and your colleagues sit around carping about the limited shelf-life of your support systems, the future will gobble you up and add you to the pile of has-beens.

Undoubtedly, if you are reading this article and are gainfully employed, you are part of a "team." Teams are the accepted organizational structure of the "new normal" in most workplaces. The days of the "Lone Ranger," who rode in from some undisclosed location with Tonto to rescue the "good people" oppressed by the "bad people," are over.

Collaboration is a trend which will, in my opinion, endure into the next millennium. Joining heads and hearts to accomplish a defined task will always outlive the vaporous variables of technology.

So, your organization could be become the next T-Rex if you cannot find and value each other in an increasingly chaotic workplace.

Have you noticed some people sitting next to you at work today have already dabbled in three different careers?

Most social scientists are pointing to the fact that today’s college graduate will have nine, very diverse, "careers" in his/her lifetime.

So, your company/organization may struggle to exist in the future if your internal systems cannot adjust to saying "hello" and "goodbye"...on the same day. This trend has vast implications for workplaces that select, train and invest in staff and then find these same talented people may leave to...herd alpacas in Missouri next week.

According to the Government Accounting Office, 16.5 million employees in the U.S. telecommute at least once per month, and 9.3 million telecommute at least once per week.

With the advent of "green" technology which encourages fewer miles driven in carbon-based vehicles and new Internet venues for instantaneous video conferencing, "distant employees" will become the norm in workplaces which historically measured hours worked by "clocking in and clocking out."

This trend will require new strategies for communication, leadership and measuring productivity.

Here is an important question for all workplaces today: "If there was a national emergency prohibiting employees from congregating at your physical location, would any "work" be done today?" There’s a great discussion starter for today’s coffee break!

As consumers, the advertising ditty we have continuously heard is: "Have it your way."

If you think those words are mere flighty flimflam, stand behind someone at a fast food counter and listen to the customization of a hamburger, sandwich or milkshake.

The most popular ice cream drive-thru in my community will ask over the speaker, "What three flavors and what three fresh fruits (out of 16 choices) can we blend for you today in your milkshake?"

If your organization only offers "one size fits all," your days are numbered. The customer has been enthroned as the deity in this economic downturned heaven. Does this person enjoy the option to "have it his/her way"?

Trends are just that...they come and go blown across the bow of our businesses like so much flotsam that never sticks. Then there are trends that adhere... and frame the future. Do any of these five trends "stick"... on your mind today?