Can You Spare Any Change?

There are so many things that people want to change about themselves and the overall goal would seem to be self-improvement. We think about common goals that people have, "I want to lose weight, I want to exercise more, I want save money". But an important question is why. The word "why" has always come to my mind when attending campus meetings about new plans and procedures. "Why are we having to do this? Why are we changing again? and Why do I need to do this?" are just some of the questions that would pop up in my head. My biggest fear with implementing my innovation project is having the same questions being directed towards me when I am introducing it to a campus. However, after watching Simon Sinek's TED Talk, it has given me some things to keep in mind when introducing my plan. Starting with "why". It makes perfect sense. If my goal is to have teachers, administrators and other personnel buy-in to the program, I have to make them understand why it is important and beneficial to them and students in the first place. He used the Apple Computer Company to make his argument. Sinek discussed reversing the order of information with leading with "why". Therefore in order to strongly present my project, it is important to start with why it is important, then move on to how it can be done successfully.

Dr. Kotter also discusses the having a sense of urgency. I believe this kind of ties into the "why" subject as well. Let's just say I am able to get all staff and administrators on board. The plan is not something that I want pushed to the side and eventually never implemented. So creating a sense of urgency along with the "why" is imperative to the success of the project. If you can relay the urgency of something and how it could effect people, you will be surprised at how quickly the gears begin to move. One thing that I know for sure is that influencing others to think similar to how you think can be a tough task. However, with the proper information that speaks to the people you are trying to reach, you will be able to lead others and create the positive change you are moving towards.

References

Kotter, J. (2011, March, 23). The heart of change. [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NKti9MyAAw

Kotter, J. (2013, August, 15). Leading change: Establish a sense of urgency. [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Yfrj2Y9IlI

Sinek, S. (2014, March, 3). Start with why: Ted talk short edited. [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPYeCltXpxw