March 15, 2019
Navigating Changes; Managing Expectations
Change in Kansas 4-H can be bumpy and alter the road that some have known in getting things done. Whether it is the introduction of new staff or new processes, change will happen and the purpose of the professional is to work in such a way to navigate the “Implementation dip.” Michael Fullan in Leading in a Culture of Change (https://bit.ly/2SXD8AD) describes the “implementation dip is literally a dip in performance and confidence as one encounters an innovation that requires new skills and new understandings.”
It is understandable and anticipated that change produces fear, confusion, and frankly is complicated. In these moments, it is important to remember who we are as an organization, as a movement, and as a 4-H Family! As a family, we seek to learn with and from one another. We express empathy to and seek clarity and understanding from one another as we encounter change. Secondly as a movement, we seek to empower others, namely youth, in order to benefit our communities through the learning, service and leading that 4-H youth, volunteers, and professionals provide. Lastly, as an organization we seek to observe what is working and what is not. Deliberate between solutions. Be honest about our capacities. Make orderly changes. And continue to observe, gather data and respond to help the organization navigate change.
I have written previously that change is the only constant. In 2018, 4 new persons were added to the Kansas 4-H State office. Responsibilities between staff changed and systems overall were reexamined. Changes were made and are continuing to be implemented. We are purposing to observe those changes and adapt when appropriate in an orderly way.
We have begun cross training this fall within the state office to help with continuity planning so that future implementation dips will be more manageable. I will name just a few changes that we have encountered. We have re-examined our volunteer screening process, refined some processes, and are moving towards implementation. Our Shooting Sports Education program has been in a refinement process for the past year and will continue to adapt and adjust now with new staff leadership. We are in the process of updating 4-H policy to better reflect the organizational realities of 2019. We are strengthening our ties to learning with and from Kansas State University. We are looking to strengthen our research base and providing tools to help our 4-H experiences locally thrive. And as we grow in our capacity to lead and resource learning pathways (project learning and events) within Kansas 4-H, role will continue to shift. Most staff are leading system change and organizational management in many different areas. I can affirm that our 4-H staff are committed to listen, learn, and lead.
Continuous improvement is what I think of when I hear the 4-H motto “To make the best better.” How can we be purposing to be better, to serve better, to live better. I am so proud of Kansas 4-H and for all the families, youth, parents and volunteers committed to partnering with 4-H professionals all across our state to bring goodness to our communities. Change is what I expect, because without it we do not get better. I am committed to walking and learning with you as we navigate change together for the sake of Kansas youth.