This class was my most anticipated, so far, in the ADL program. I knew all I'd gain would be immediately applied in my professional life. Within a month of beginning this journey in the Applied Digital Learning program at Lamar University, I learned of a leadership position on my team, applied, interviewed, and gratefully, got this new position. As with anything, diving into something new comes with a learning a curve, but the concepts and lessons taught in 5304: Leading Organizational Change, have been invaluable as I've made the move from one level of influence to another.
The strength of this class, in my view, was how it built upon concepts I already believe and live in my day-to-day work and personal life. I do not care for confrontation and therefore avoid it. My avoidance, though, is not due to weakness or discomfort. Instead, I see it as a waste of time and inconvenience. I was once told by a professor in my undergrad program, over 25 years ago (!), that he appreciated my candor. At first I was taken aback, but later he shared that I was one of the few Freshman that didn't mind speaking up, sharing thoughts, or standing by my convictions. My thinking was it's easier to approach a crucial conversation in order to move to a solution, not realizing there was an academic or business term for it. This is a direct reflection of the confidence my parents instilled in me; one in which an attempt at anything doesn't end in failure, but in an opportunity to revise, adjust, and learn.
Through our reading and class discussions, I have absolutely learned to refine and revise my approach. While speaking up can help influence others, it can certainly have the opposite effect if not done correctly. For this I am grateful to have the chance to revisit my Why and reflect upon what I do and why I do it. The timing of this is perfect as my team prepares for our org-wide Spring Summit with the theme of, "Remembering our Why." Just today, my VP and I brainstormed ideas, many of which came directly from concepts of 5304.
I'm excited to have a seat at the table where these conversations are happening and new ideas and innovations are encouraged. My innovation plan includes a new way forward for the Professional Learning team as I outline in my Influencer Strategy. To further develop and encourage my colleagues as we revamp the way we work at Waterford.org, I was able to create a plan using the 4DX Model for planning, implementation, and evaluation.
At the end of day, though, I know that the best laid plans will never come to fruition if not communicated well. I learned that being a Differentiated Leader that can hold a Crucial Conversation will bring both respect and empathy. As I read and dove deeper into both books, the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling kept popping into my mind. It begins, "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you..." and the final line is, "Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it, And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!" If you change Man to Leader...you gain the entire essence of
5304: Leading Organizational Change, my favorite class in the ADL program, so far.
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