Imagining Change: Transforming Rigidity into Innovation

“The Oak Fought The Wind And Was Broken, The Willow Bent When It Must And Survived.”

I heard this once, and I now understand how important it is to be like the willow tree.?

I worked with a seasoned HR professional that often dealt with members of her team who would staunchly proclaim, "This is how we've always done it."?

“Why would we do it that way??

We’ve always done the way we’re doing it now for as long as I can remember.

Why would we change?”

In the world of executive coaching, my role is not just about guiding leaders; it's about empowering them to inspire their teams towards flexibility and innovation. Take, for instance, my client, a seasoned HR professional in charge of a hospital team steeped in tradition and resistant to change. As related above, she often dealt with members of her team who would staunchly proclaim, "This is how we've always done it."?

This posed a unique challenge for my client.

To navigate this, I encouraged my client to shift his approach. Instead of confronting rigidity with opposition, I advised him to use language that invites exploration. "Imagine if we did it this way. What would be the outcome?" I suggested. By employing the word "imagine," he could gently transport his team into a mindset beyond their usual boundaries, opening them up to new possibilities.

Understanding the psychology of black-and-white thinkers, prevalent among the stalwart members of the hospital staff, was crucial. I stressed the importance of presenting a spectrum of options, a rainbow of possibilities, rather than challenging their established norms. It's not about dismantling their way of doing things; it's about presenting a canvas of alternatives, letting them choose the colors that resonate with them.

It's Not About Challenges; It’s About New Opportunities

My coaching isn't a confrontation; it's an invitation to creativity. It's about showcasing that adaptation and growth don't negate the past but enrich it. The focus is on fostering an environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute ideas without fearing rejection.

As my client embraced this approach, he witnessed a subtle but powerful shift. The team, once resistant to change, considered new ways of approaching tasks. By framing the conversation in terms of possibilities rather than challenges, my client successfully inspired a culture of flexibility and creativity.?

In the end, it's not just about what you do; it's about the person you are—an individual willing to create, adapt, grow, and embrace change.

Melinda Fouts, Ph.D., is an Executive Coach. She coaches a range of clients-those in transition, those needing a thought partner, and those needing more tools in their toolbox. Her experience as a practicing psychotherapist allows her to discover her clients’ blind spots, which helps them focus on improving their communication and management skills.?

Last year, Melinda received the Top International Executive Coach of the Year award from the International Association Of Top Professionals, (IAOTP). In 2021, she was also recognized as the Empowered Woman of the Year.

Melinda is in Carbondale, Colorado. You can reach her at 970-274-3130 or via email . You can get on her calendar here .