Whether merging two organizational cultures or changing an ineffective culture, leaders need highly developed skills, competencies, and sensitivities. The following lessons from persons who have struggled with cultural dissonance can help even the most experienced leaders as they guide their organizations through the often chaotic changes shaping the healthcare ministry today.
Adaptive Cultures Are the Most Likely to Succeed
In the healthcare environment, change is a constant for the foreseeable future. Organizations with an adaptive culture have the greatest chance to succeed over the long term.1
Change Is Not a Quick Fix
Developing an adaptive culture requires a long-term commitment. Changing a culture is not a quick fix, nor is it for the faint of heart. Only steady, consistent commitment can achieve the desired result.
Ritual Keeps the Process Moving
Changes result in loss as well as gain, and successful organizations are sensitive to the pain change can cause. Using ritual to recognize losses and validate grieving is an essential part of moving on.
Transitions Are Difficult
Individuals deal with change all the time, in both their work and private lives. The most difficult aspect of change is the "transition" — the internal psychological processing needed before one can come to terms with a new situation.2
Change Needs a Champion
Rev. Gerald A. Arbuckle, SM (see related article, "Culture, Chaos, and Refounding"), suggests that a champion represents one of three types of leader: authority figure, visionary-innovator, and renewal-doer.3 In some instances, the chief executive officer (CEO) embodies all these qualities, but often others with influence complement the CEO's abilities. CEOs should share their authority with such people and support their contributions to the change process.
The First Step Is Understanding Culture
Leaders should not underestimate the importance of human relationships and the influence of both personal and organizational values and beliefs. In planning any type of partnership arrangement, leaders should consider the cultural implications.
Effective Communications Are Personal
Frequent, honest communications make cultural change and adaptation easier. But data and information, no matter how reasonable or how much, will not bring people to accept change. To gain support, leaders should communicate on a "human" level, explaining to everyone in the organization how change is going to affect his or her life.
Time Spent on Culture Issues Is Time Well-spent
In all board meetings, planning sessions, and negotiation preparations, time should be devoted to culture issues. Tolerance for change varies from person to person, and individual differences should be acknowledged and accommodated.
NOTES
- John P. Kotter and James L. Heskett, Corporate Culture and Performance, Free Press, New York City, 1992.
- William Bridges, Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1991.
- Gerald A. Arbuckle, Strategies for Growth in Religious Life, Alba House, New York City, 1986.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES NEEDED TO FACILITATE CHANGE
| Guiding Principles | Leadership Competencies* | |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive cultures are the most likely to succeed. | ||
| Change is not a quick fix. | ||
| Ritual keeps the process moving. | ||
| Transitions are difficult. | ||
| Change needs a champion. | ||
| The first step is understanding culture. | ||
| Effective communications are personal. | ||
| Time spent on culture issues is time well-spent. | ||
*From: Transformational Leadership for the Healing Ministry: Competencies for the Future, Catholic Health Association, St. Louis, 1994.