Change: A Broad View #10SummerBlogs

I like to think of myself as a change maker.  I like taking ideas and putting them in motion.  Sometimes I have big visions that don't become realities, but I am always willing to attempt.  I don't know if there is a set formula on how to drive change but I am going to give some ideas on change can happen.  This is not systematic, it is only a list of ideas based on observation.  Yes this is in list format, because I like organization.

1. Change requires leadership: This one is obvious but a lot of times change doesn't occur because there is a lack of leadership.  When I say leadership I don't mean the boss or someone commanding, I only mean someone with the right mindset to promote collaboration, creativity, and ideas.  This person or people need to be vocal, proactive, and have a plan of action.  Without these things change cannot happen.
2. Change requires planning:  The worst possible way to promote change is winging it.  Change takes careful thought and planning.  This week I am in the process of trying to change the way a school operates with a group of teachers.  We have spent two days laying the groundwork.  We cannot go present this implement now, we need more time and more planning.  Groundwork is great, but what comes next is not implementation.  Set deadlines, create goals, and evaluate what is all needed before implementation of change.
3. Change requires common interest and mindset:  You want to change an atmosphere, you need people, and you need people you want the same thing you do.  It doesn't have to be the majority, just powerful.  They say great minds think alike but I don't think that is necessary for change.  I think an understanding and agreement of an end goal is, but how you get there can take some time due to differences of opinions.  That's fine though we need differences to make us think.
4. Change requires support:  Whether this is from followers, administrators, bosses or whoever support is necessary to movie forward.  Without support, nothing can happen,  that doesn't mean give up though. Try adjusting your strategy, your plan, etc.  Sometimes it takes a little tweak to gain more support.
5. Change requires collaboration: The best change happens when people are working together.  Nuff Said.
6. Change requires thinking: Most change doesn't happen overnight.  Change takes thought.  Sometimes you think you have all the pieces together, but you forgot something and need to go back and rethink.  Thinking is so broad and is an obvious one, but sometimes we have these grand ideas and don't really think about how to implement them and then they get lost.  

There is so much more that goes into change but I tried to keep this as easy as possible for understanding.  These are basic observations once again, not a systematic approach.  Sometimes the craziest ideas are the best ones, but hardest to implement.  That often times leads to giving up, but I assure you through perseverance, and with the things listed above change is possible no matter hoe grand the idea is.