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January 31, 2007
Key Concepts of Intentional System Change
Roland Loup, an international consultant specializing in strategy development and implementation and change leadership, introduced a framework for thinking through systems change project. His goal was to build awareness and to help clarify the desired results and provide new ways to attain them. Mr. Loup actually gives an entire 9-month course on this topic, and he travels to India, Japan, South Africa, etc. to provide his consulting services to businesses. His four major strategies are: Engaging stakeholders, building commitment, transforming resistance, and sustaining change. Mr. Loup also used real-life situations to illustrate his points. He emphasized that change brings uncertainty and requires patience, that competence comes into question with change, and that there is no "right way" to effect change, yet change is always an integral part of life. He explained the difference between a true leader and a micromanager, stating that a true leader knows the balance between vision and taking care of details. He also stated that change takes courage. Since people are such an essential part of any organization (technology is easy--people are hard), a culture change must also occur. He remarked that the culture of academe is more of a "coddling" culture than that of the private sector, as well as being more participatory.
Denise Stegall then provided the audience (of about 35 members of VOICES of the Staff) with the details on the consolidation of three campus daycare programs into one. This was a complicated project because it involved 3 directors, numerous teachers, parents, children, and early childhood researchers. At first there was hostility and confusion among the various stakeholders, but, gradually, through structured participation, transitioning was effected and a new, better childcare center will be achieved, the actual building of which will take another three years.
I thoroughly enjoyed the seminar. It more than met my expectations, and I had quite a few "aha!" moments. My only regret is that more of us could not participate in this event and hear these fine speakers.
Posted by schnitzr at January 31, 2007 02:25 PM