Change is Hard – But it's Worth It
An agency that provides early education and other services for children in rural Arizona decided that one good way to model the principles of strength-based organizational development was to adopt a participatory management and shared governance model.
It wasn't easy. Employees used to operating in a top-down, command and control environment couldn't make the transition and had to be "coached" out of the organization. Remaining employees felt grief at the loss of trusted colleagues and routines they were proficient in, and had to take risks and learn new skills. The agency even hired a therapist to meet with the staff in small groups to help facilitate communication and the transition.
But it all proved worth it. The agency saw an increase in staff motivation and performance through involvement in an active Staff Focus Committee. Parent and community member volunteers were recruited for a highly influential 25-member Community Advisory Board that has maintained an 80% attendance rate for three-hour monthly meetings – remarkable in the face of long distance driving time through rural Arizona. Many of these community members have become leaders in their own communities and moved on to serve on state boards.
©2007 TAP is funded and managed by St. Luke's Health Initiatives, Phoenix, Arizona 85012
Phone: (602) 385-6500 Fax: (602) 385-6510 feedback@slhi.org
