I was going through some old notes that I'd taken a few months ago, and found this gem from an ITLP discussion. We were discussing how we lead during times of change, and managing through change, especially now when the University is in a period of transition. I thought I'd share my notes here:
- Focus on your core competencies, but also the value proposition to your clients. What adjustments does this call for?
- Consider what areas you might be able to influence.
- As always, it's important to remain transparent about the decision process.
- Acknowledge what is happening, don't ignore it.
- To open a conversation, you might ask for a one-word thought from each person in a group, and address the themes.
- Recognize where there is ambiguity. Address it as best you can, but don't gloss over the questions.
- Change is rarely about "us" or "you" or the merit of the work. Doing "more with less" is about a financial situation.
- Think creatively, but rationally. Consider openly how you might do business differently under the new changes.
- Turn it into an opportunity. What other changes might you make to improve the situation?
- Nothing can stay one way forever, things will always change. Life will go on.
At the end of the day, keep focused on the work that needs to get done. Don't let other changes distract you.
