Change is the one constant of the universe – unless you need it for the bus. Seriously, though, thoughts of change can be very stressful for those in a workplace. Libraries are no different. In fact, we have avoided changing some aspects of how we do things in libraries for so long that I suspect we are about to enter a period of rapid change.
So how do we cope? The usual suggestions are to embrace change, view it as an opportunity, a way to empower the way you do your job. There may be a better approach, one that encourages people to look at the negative potential of a given change.
The idea behind this is to understand what can go wrong, and adjust your planning to either avoid the problems, or better yet incorporate them into your plans in a positive way. Not only will this process allow you to better implement change, but it will help to understand those who will resist it.
Rosabeth Moss Kanter writes an excellent essay on this topic in her discussion of John Taysom’s ideas. She argues that it is actually the optimist that is better able to appreciate the negatives, and then to harness their energy in a productive way.
found via Dysart & Jones
