LeadingAge New York Adviser Fall 2015 Vol. 1 | Page 26
CONFERENCE RECAP
25
Based on the
conference program
entitled:
CHANGING HOW
WE CHANGE:
IGNITING A
CULTURE FOR
INNOVATION
Managing Change
A
t the 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition held in May, Harvard University’s
David A. Shore explained to a room of aging services leaders the different
ways that success is typically measured. Generally, the success of a project is
measured on three very basic points: Was it on time? Was it on budget? Did it
meet specifications? Shore challenged the audience to consider if these simple
questions really gave enough information to adequately determine success.
When thinking about true measurements of success, it is clear that a project
can hit each point above but still be a complete failure for many reasons, first
and foremost, was the problem solved? In order to experience true success,
it is imperative to be open-minded about opportunities for robust change. Shore
explained that with positive change comes success.
Shore, founder and director of several executive programs involving the
management of change, argued that the most effective, albeit high risk change,
is changes that exceeds existing paradigms. Pixar Animation Studios is a great
example of the potential for transformational change. The 29-year-old animation
company located in Emeryville, California has deliberately released only 14
movies throughout its existence, but all reached number one at the box-office
on release. Complex change strives for the transformation of the status quo, a
concept that Pixar Animation understands well, as indicated by the company’s
profitability, brand awareness and the success of its projects.
On transformational change, Shore noted that it requires radical modifications,
innovation and the willingness to interrogate reality. Questioning the way things
are done creates the innovation that distinguishes a leader from a follower.
Shore noted that there is an absolute need for innovation and transformational
change within the nursing home system. He pointed out that in the U.S. there are
currently 11 states with nursing homes that are rated a 2 or below on the Center
for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Five-Star Quality Rating System; New
York is one of these eleven.
In conclusion, Shore discussed the Buddhist philosophy of the suffering of change
which teaches that the fear of change is ever-present, even when the change is
perceived as for the good. There will always be people against change who are
comfortable to maintain the status quo. However, in order to truly succeed, it is
imperative to exceed the boundaries of expectation with change.
Adviser a publication of LeadingAge New York | Fall 2015