Guiding Libraries & Info ProsThrough Change
David Lee KingDigital Branch & Services Manager
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Librarywww.davidleeking.com
First,some “quotes”
1970’s: adapting to OPACs
1980’s: The PC takes off…
1990’s: Internet Appears
2004: “Web 2.0” coined
Change, the old way
• Leaders simply ordered changes• Goal: getting the change
accomplished• When it fails, leaders review details
of the change
They’re looking
in the wrong place
Change is external
Transition is internal
Most leaders base the projecton getting the change accomplished rather than on getting people through the transition.
3 Steps to Transition
1. Saying goodbye2. Shifting into neutral3. Moving forward
1. Saying Goodbye
Letting Go of the Past
2. Shifting into Neutral
100% Focus on Details
Some get stuck here!
3. Moving Forward
Resistance Will Happen!
Resistance isn’t the problem
• Management’s reaction to resistance creates the problems
• The resistors probably don’t see it as resistance - they see it as survival
Three levels of resistance
1. Information-based2. Physiological and emotional3. Bigger stuff
1. Information-based
• Not enough information• Disagreement with the idea
itself• Not familiar with idea• Confusion
2. Physiological/Emotional
• My job is threatened• My future with the organization• Respect of my peers
3. Bigger Stuff
• Personal history• Who you are – race, religion, etc• Significant disagreement over
values• Transference - the person being
resisted represents someone else (fill in the blank)
How to NavigateThrough Change
Just for Leaders (and techies)
• You've already come to terms with the change
• Understand why people might not want to change
• Understand that it's the transitions, not the change, that's causing waves
Steps to Take
• Describe the change succinctly• Plan carefully• Help people respectfully let go• Constant communication• Create temporary solutions when
needed• Model new behavior!
Don't do these things!
• Don't confuse novelty with innovation
• Don't confuse motion with action• Don't keep something going if it
“still has a few good years of life”
For techies
• You might be able to change quickly
• There are areas where you DON'T change quickly
• Always share too much…• Technojust(ification)
If you refuse to change:
• Missed career opportunities• you'll miss out on the opportunity
to expand your network and your ability to develop new relationships
• You’ll miss out on the possibility of shaping your new destiny and reality
Parting Thoughts on
Change
Questions?