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Becoming an Agent of Change
There are several published articles, books, groups and therapeutic modalities which focus on change and flexibility. I personally spent several years of my life trying to understand what is change, how does change influence the human mind, body and inner self, and how do I work with my staff, patients, friends and family to adjust with the foreseen paths in their lives. For some of us, adapting to change is more difficult and often causes us unnecessary hardships and losses.
For the purpose of this article I have defined change as a cause to be different or as a transformation in shape, size or appearance which has been replaced by something different. Given the definition presented, change is not always a negative factor or an obligatory personal hardship. The key concepts that should be recognized are that change is a “cause to be different” and “a replacement of something other than what was”.
Each and everyday of our lives we will experience changes and external influences which will require us to adjust and adapt to the alterations in our normal daily functioning. If you are like me, there are times when you truly don’t want and see a reason why you should change. Ask yourself what are the personal benefits for changing both internal and external. Does the change compensate for projected losses which will untimely cause unnecessary loss?
In our roles as husbands, wives, parents, administrators and co-workers we often find that we are asked or feel pushed to “change our approaches”. Quite often our success and failures are measured by the positive outcomes which are yielded from our decisions and interactions with others.
If change is to be positive the following factors must be recognized by all parties:
- Each person’s thought process and interpersonal interactions are fundamental for change to be successful.
- Change can only occur when each person makes a conscious decision to agree and work on the change.
- Change is perceived as a personal experience which is “perpetrated” upon the person.
- Each and every person truly sees value in their work and their interactions with others.
- There are times when we treat our staff, family, friends and children as if they were “little people” yet we still expect adult behaviors.
- Trust is earned by well defined consistent and honest behaviors and rewarded by positive changes and outcomes.
- In general, we all have the ability to offer more than what is asked of us.
- More often than not, our internal rewards are more meaningful to us than financial or social compensations.
- Everyone deserves to identify their meaning, purpose and direction in their relationships to accomplish positive results.
- The more input and influence that we have in defining our changes, the greater the likelihood we will accept ownership of the changes which result.
- In order to change a person, we must first change the entire system of operations.
Each and everyone one of us can become a positive Agent of Change and influence the behaviors, attitudes and responses of others around us. Little infants and little children are taught basic social graces such as respecting, acknowledging, listening and hearing what is being communicated in verbal and non-verbal gestures. Effective change agents have personal insight and an open willingness to exchange ideas and emotions with others.
I learned years ago that a closed fist can not exchange currency. Identify what “currency” you can barter with in your relationships. Open your fist and exchange it hand to hand, you can choose to become an Agent of Change.
Felicia
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