Overcoming Resistance to Change

"Human nature is to be cautious and there is a natural resistance to change" stated Sharon Laney, the Executive Director of Lake House Academy today on Lon Woodbury's Internet Talk Radio Show: Parent Choices for Struggling Teens" on LATalkRadio. Co-hosting on today's show was Larry Stednitz, PhD, an affiliate of Woodbury Reports, Inc, joining in on the topic of change and how effective leadership helps students and staff overcome the resistance to change.

"How important is the 'culture' of the school or program in order to move forward with change?" Lon posed Sharon. "If a positive culture is in place, the students will blossom and bloom. If it is not sound, it is very difficult for change. In my career, I have had to go into a program with an open mind, be able to assess what is going on and identify the weaknesses and strengths and recognize what we do great and what do we need to do to move forward. It is important to show support and care for both students and staff (in regards to change), be visible and lead by example."

"It is very critical to clearly articulate the vision of the program's mission statement and that staff see it posted and that it is talked about and discussed. Engaging the staff with humor helps also", Sharon replied to Larry's question on: how does the mission statement play into a positive peer culture. Working with staff, holding others accountable and supervising (by managers and supervisors) is important in creating a healthy community. With a structured balance and a safe nurturing environment, getting back to the fundamentals of our standards, in addition to consistency, allows for the security the students (and staff) need when there is change." As Sharon shared "not only talk the talk, you need to walk the walk, own the program and others will follow."

To listen to the full interview go to: Overcoming Resistance To Change on LATalkRadio.
Also available in Podcast

Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent choices for Struggling Teens on LATalkRadio Mondays at 12:00 Noon, Pacific Time, Channel One.

Larry Stednitz Ph.D., is an Independent Educational Consultant and an affiliate of Woodbury Reports. He is located in Moro Bay, California and co-hosts some of the Parent Choices for Struggling Teens Internet Talk Radio Shows.

Sharon Laney is the Executive Director of Lake House Academy in North Carolina and has 24 years experience working with adolescents at Three Springs Management, a group of Therapeutic Boarding Schools. She was also the President of NATSAP (National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs).