"Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

- Mahatma Gandhi

Along the way I've had some great teachers in regard to change. "When you wake up in the morning you never know what a day will bring," is a reminder heard often from my Grandmother Grace. Upon entering the university, I was introduced to the statement - "change is the only constant".

A close friend recently brought the gift of replacing the word plan with idea. Something about that simple change in words opens up an acceptance of the probability of plans shifting. Perhaps it comes down to . . .

"Life is Change. Growth is Optional. Choose Wisely".
- Karen Kaiser Clark

The reasons for championing a change effort are pretty simple: We want to, we need to, or we have to. Deciding to make a change is the easy part. Getting people on board is the tricky part. In fact, responding productively to change and creating a positive, lasting change is rarely easy. We are creatures of habit. Yet, instantaneous communications, increased mobility and heightened global competition require we embrace change as an ongoing fluid process.

Regardless of the best strategic planning, leaders need an intimate understanding of the human side of change. Getting out of our comfort zones to take a new path is an emotional process. Inspiring people to change patterns and behaviors and adopt new habits is a large part of a leader's success. Companies can only experience the rewards of change when it occurs at the level of the individual employee. Successful implementation of any change comes down to individuals who are responsible for designing, executing and performing the changes.

People who lead change efforts consistently report concerns about:

• how the employees will react
• how to get team members to be accountable and work together to embrace the change
• how to retain their company's values and sense of unique identity while changing
• how to sustain a culture of commitment and performance

Typically a significant percentage of employees will be uncertain and resistant to "imposed change". Morale and results are often at risk. Successful leaders plan for and implement ways to positively influence the human dynamics of change. This training offers a model designed to motivate, inspire and hold your team accountable for implementing change.

“The individuals who will succeed and flourish will also be masters of change: adept at reorienting their own
and others’ activities in untried directions to bring about higher levels of achievement.”
Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Author and Harvard Business Professor

Wainiha River, Kauai - Hawai'i ... ever changing