Driving Positive Change

Our window of perception sets our attitude for change and that attitude will determine the speed and success of the change.
Perception => Attitude => Speed/Success of change
The more positive experiences we have with change, the more positive our attitude toward change and the faster any change will be made.

So, the question is:
How can we make change a positive experience?
And, the answer is:
Maintain structured, dependable and open communication.

Successful change in the workplace has to combat a lifetime of good or bad experiences that make up the perceptions of each individual involved in the change. Personally, I change cautiously, often belaboring the options and possible outcomes. The key to each successful change has been a structured, dependable, and open communication connection to a supportive source. Whether the change was personal, professional, or organizational, success was assured when I -
1. set a structured communication plan,
2. knew I could depend on the communication being honest
3. had the opportunity to express my thoughts, concerns and successes
Professional and organizational change is often team driven. Personal change is a different challenge because effective change ALWAYS begins within. While some of us are slow off the starting block we have developed a positive perception of change that drives us to the finish line.

Hopping in Houston

Business is cooking and seminars are being marinaded. I am expanding my presentation of one of the Communication and Leadership Programs we are doing. Today, I am working on the section about giving and accepting criticism productively. Some of my research says that criticism should not be sandwiched between praise. I would challenge that statement. I am an avid believer in praising a persons strength, then telling them how that strength can support a requested change. I see that as supportive criticism not sandwiched between mindless praise. If criticism is presented in this supportive manner it is easier to give and easier to receive. The change might even happen if someone believes they have the ability to make the change.