Letting go of how things used to be and accepting new realities can be trying. It is not surprising then, that when your agency upgrades or changes its management system you may experience some of the “pain of change”. There is a tendency to try and fit the new system into the old way and, like any growing experience, there will be some moments of struggle. It takes time to understand and accept something new, but if there is a willingness to let go of the old, good things await.
To help your agency prepare for change, the best thing you can do is be well prepared and anticipate the challenges that can be associated with change. Here are five simple rules for dealing with change.
1. Know things will go wrong. Nothing is ever perfect. When you transition to something new, part of the transition is working out the kinks. Be prepared. Have a system in place to report issues and another to identify how those issues will be resolved.
2. Resist the urge to compare. How often amid change we hear “we used to do things this way…” Although it is tempting to compare the old ways to the new, the more you do the more difficult it will be to accept the new system and processes.
3. Hear people out. No matter how wonderful your new system may be, you will get complaints from staff, providers, clients – anyone who is transitioning to a new way of doing things. Hear each and every criticism, affirm their concerns, and make any changes needed, while realizing they are experiencing the growing pains of change.
4. Use your resources. Most agency management system providers should have resources to help you and your staff get to know the new system – make good use of these resources! This should start with a personalized training, but may also include online tutorials and user groups.
5. Stay connected with your provider. Your management system provider is your number one go-to resource, as they know your system and have gone through the transitional experience many times with each client. Use their expertise! The best providers will have a personalized support staff for you, constantly available to answer your concerns and walk you through any issues.
The SIS support team believes wholeheartedly in providing you with constant support throughout your system transition, including offering a personal customer service representative and personalized trainings for your staff. To find out more about how SIS can help you make a change, contact us today!
