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