Change is good…you go first. This is the title of a book I was given when I first accepted the role of Executive Director. One of my favorite donors gifted the book, recognizing my role here as an agent of change for the Foundation. The book, a swift read, is filled with mostly pictures and inspirational quotes. It was given as a supportive measure to inspire and motivate myself and those around me to move forward and embrace change. The first page starts with “Change is not easy. But it is Simple.”
As an organizational leader, and a relatively new member of the Sidney community, the choice to make any change is difficult; getting those around me on board is much more difficult. I only commit to change the things that I know truly NEED a change, and I recognize that the idea to disrupt the status-quo needs time to settle in and adjust. Some things are quick and easy, small changes here and there that are glaringly obvious and will impact our ability to focus on fundraising every day. Other changes are larger and of greater impact. In those cases, care and consideration is always top of mind. There is a TON of planning and coordination that comes along with the process.
Another excerpt from the book that resonates with every choice, “Along the way, there will be many challenges. Most leaders know that there are no shortcuts to any place worth going. IN TIMES OF CHANGE WE MUST REMEMBER…MISTAKES WILL BE MADE.” Change requires an open mind and a humility of spirit that is personally difficult at times.
The most important thing I have learned…and I lovingly share with you:
The key to change, is to not only create a collaborative vision of a better result, and earn the trust of those you are leading; but truly, wholeheartedly, and without reservation, show that you care and are willing to weather the storm.
The Foundation for Community Care has been working for nearly 2 years to establish a new and more effective way to recognize the dedication and support our donors have shown to healthcare in Richland County for over 3 decades. The Foundation established a donor wall over 20 years ago that took 14 years to outgrow. The newest donor wall only took 3 years to outgrow. The pace of support for a healthier community is challenging our ability to recognize those individuals and organizations. Hence, the time for change. Tonight, August 17th, we will unveil a new, state of the art, interactive donor wall at our annual donor appreciation event at Sidney Health Center. This wall is not only in keeping with digital advances, it allows the Foundation Board & Staff to recognize, in appropriate nature, those who started our journey, and those who continue to support the work.
While change is hard, and adjusting to change is even harder…”We keep moving forward, opening NEW doors and doing NEW things.”~Walt Disney. All for the benefit of our mission, to ensure quality healthcare in our area, and recognize those who support that mission right along side.
~Gina
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