We deal with change every day in varying degrees. Sometimes it's more noticeable than others. The change of seasons as we move into fall happens gradually. It's really subtle where I live.
Or you may be dealing with changes at work, like updates to ICD-10 codes and electronic health records in medical settings or taking on a new role on your team.
Then of course there are changes in your personal life, like having a kid leave for college.
No matter what, as they say, "Change is gonna come" (some change music below).
A great deal of the work I do is about helping people change. To adjust, to adopt a new way of doing things, to adapt and communicate and problem solve, to put new practices into place.
It's all about change.
I recently did a change management seminar with an organization that was getting ready to make changes in staffing, programs and location. I asked them to think about a change process that went well and what was involved.
Here were some of their responses:
- The leaders respected each other
- It was an open process with good communication (the word "transparency" was used a lot)
- A third-party shared information about what was going on that made it more objective
- Training and resources were provided to support the change
- The process was responsive not reactive
- People were willing to be flexible
- There was a plan
- There was accountability
- There were champions of the change
What would you add to this list? What has helped you deal with change?
The Liberated Nest
As for the big recent change in our house with our daughter heading off to college, my husband and I have become "liberated nesters." Empty is so dreary, and we have many things to keep us occupied. We totally miss her, and I admit I've gotten weepy in the grocery store once or twice. But we're getting used to the quiet and a new pace (See photo below from a business trip to Austin a week after she left.).
And she's SO happy at school. Loves her program, her professors, her classes, the campus. Her 3rd week, she sang with an a capella group at a special event at the University President's house. Not bad, huh?
All of that makes this change so much easier.
If you're in the midst of a change, use the points above to help you think through the process. If you want to talk it through, give me a call!
Keep reading for info on a number of upcoming events, including a local economic empowerment conference for young women and the last offering of the year of The Art of Stronger Leadership workshop.
(Click here for the full calendar). There's also a Save the Date notice for something special in 2016.
Happy Fall!
Gloria