Making Change Happen

In her article, "Welcome the Change Coming Soon to Your Life," in the March 2010 issue of Exchange, Debra Sullivan offered a variety of strategies for leaders of early childhood to help their teams deal with change, including these ideas on providing transitional support during change...

"Sometimes, even with preparation, an abundance of communication and excellent implementation strategies, people will need additional support. Transitional support is about giving people what they need to help them make a change.  It acknowledges that change is not easy and that there are steps we can take to encourage forward movement.  Transitional support in leadership could range anywhere from a supportive cheer to the National Guard.

"Let’s look at another example: School desegregation efforts in the ­United States in the 1960s after the Brown decision.  At that time, children had to be escorted into schools with armed guards because, even with preparation, communication, and implementation plans, the change to racially integrated classrooms was about more than a shift in patterns and practices; it was about people’s beliefs and perceptions of others.

"In leading people through change, successful leaders look beyond implementation and constantly assess how change is progressing.  They then use that assessment to determine what is needed — for both individuals and for the group — in the way of resources, guidance, assistance, and support.  Successful leaders understand that providing transitional support is much like supporting ­children’s development — not everyone is in the same place, not everyone needs the same thing, and not everyone is on the same ‘transitional time schedule.’"

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