“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” ~Maya Angelou
Julia Pomerenk, University Registrar at Washington State playfully examined how to effectively manage change within our campus departments, to a packed room at the AACRAO Annual Meeting in Denver.
“You must enlist multiple mentors when embroiled in change,” Julia began. “Find supportive office co-workers, off campus kindred spirits, cross-campus colleagues and cats and dogs—otherwise known as ‘more knowledgeable others.'"
“People look to you during change to see how you’re reacting," Julia continued. "You can be a positive force. It’s really important to clarify and re-clarify expectations, ask for help and set a precedent for your own limits—under promising and over delivering is key.”
So the next time you’re tasked with overseeing an overwhelming project, simply analyze your needs and advocate for yourself and your staff up the food chain by proposing:
- Overtime pay
- Additional training opportunities
- Cross-functional conversations
- Massages
Whether you’re implementing a new SIS, onboarding a middle manager, updating archaic office policies, or taking on a huge long-term project with your staff, change can ruffle feathers in unexpected ways, so be on the look-out for morale.
“We want people in the self-actualization phase, said Pomerenk. So take care of each other, provide treats and toys, tell people to ‘go home’ and say ‘thanks.’ It’s the Fish Philosophy: Be there, play, make their day and choose your attitude. In the end, if the students aren’t happy, nobody’s happy.”