In healthcare, there is constant change, which can be unsettling and even scary for staff. In this episode, we join Charlotte Keates, Director of Operations Division 5, to talk about how she leads her teams through change. Charlotte reflects on the importance of getting to know and understand your staff, setting realistic expectations for changes and how to involve your people in any changes that need to be made. Charlotte shares the significance of understanding the rationale for a change because, without that understanding, it’s hard to deliver it to a team and bring them on the journey with you.
3 Quotes to lead by...
1. BE HONEST AND SET REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
‘It’s scary for people to go through change. I think that people like what they know and so I think it’s really important that your honest with people about why the change is happening. It’s about setting realistic expectations of that change. Finding out what the drivers are for individuals because the change may effect them differently.’
Q. When a change is coming into effect, how do you communicate this to your team? How do you ensure each staff member is supported through that change?
2. IT’S ABOUT THE PEOPLE INVOLVED, NOT THE PROCESS
‘I think it’s remembering that it’s about the people involved, not the process and even though you may not agree with everybody, that doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. You have to recognise that, and you have to come to a compromise that works for everybody.’
Q. How can you involve your team in the change process? How do you manage resistance to change?
3. PEOPLE REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL
‘There’s a saying about people won’t remember what you say, they won’t remember what you do, but they will remember how you made them feel and if you can make people feel valued during change, make people feel like they’re involved even if they don’t necessarily agree, that goes a long way to getting the change through to where it needs to be.’
Q. How can you ensure that your team feel valued and heard during the change process?
External Resources
Leading through change: This is what your employees want to hear
Ten Tips For Effective Change Management That Puts Your Team First
Leadership Lessons From Maya Angelou Don't underestimate the power of making people feel amazing
