Although Change Implementation is difficult, it is really a cultural transformation that must occur to benefit from changes being implemented. Staff must be inspired to embrace change, and by working through constant change, empower them to improve their products or services and aim to be the best at being the best.

To overcome barriers to change implementation, one must communicate often, factually, truthfully, emotionally, and, in our industry of healthcare, keep focus on the patient. We have a motto at Memorial Healthcare System, “Patient First.” When we place the patient first, we make better decisions with the patient in mind and it is easier to welcome change because we are driven by a purpose – Patient First.

In the 21st Century, a leader must possess a variety of characteristics that will help him or her lead the workforce. A leader must be able to put himself in the place of his staff members. By doing this, he will be able to enhance awareness of their concerns, making it easier to address their issues. This makes it more feasible to convince employees to implement and accept change while still inspiring them to “be their very best” on the job. In addition, the appropriate use of humor always helps to keep things “lighter,” which makes the barriers less personal and easier to address.

What are the characteristics of an effective leader who can masterfully implement change? They include

• Being a caring person with “heart,”
• Listening very well (but knowing when to terminate a conversation),
• Being an effective communicator (but not verbose),
• Exhibiting patience (to a point – not to a fault),
• Having a strong knowledge base (yet willing to ask for opinions or assistance),
• Showing perseverance (but not being unrelenting),
• Being accepting (but not of mediocrity),
• Developing a vision (and having the ability to share what the vision is and ensure everyone has that same sight), and
• Possessing unimpeachable integrity and honesty.

A major influence contributing to my effectiveness as a leader is people. Specifically, I am talking about my family, mentors, colleagues and staff from past and present. We are all a combination or collection of people we have met, interacted with, read about, admired and learned from. I learned that treating people with respect helps in every situation and knowing your staff, their names, things about their life such as family, hobbies and interests motivates them to want to do more to help you obtain the vision you established or the change which needs to be implemented.

Never underestimate the difference you can make in others and what that ripple effect may have on other individuals or situations.