The Face of Change

What do those words mean to you? Are they merely words that have no meaning to you? Or do these words mean something significant to you….do they describe you? Do you consider yourself to be “the face of change” or an obstacle to it?

Personally I view change as good…when change is initiated with the intent to move forward, make progress, improve something then it is indeed a good thing. All too often I hear people voicing opposition to change….to ANY change whether it be for better or for worse. Too often change is viewed as a four letter word…in that it is something to be avoided or to have disdain for…

Well, in case you haven’t figured it out yet…Change is inevitable. The very nature of life itself is part of change. I ran across an article the other day and found a few interesting points in it. Portions rang true and made sense. One of the quotes in particular caused me to think: “In the face of change, the competent are helpless.” Hmmmmm, is this true and what does it mean? I’ll let you decide that for yourself.

The fact is that Information Technology type staffers have always faced change. I’ve heard some of our very own use similar words and at times it seems we wear it as a type of badge that is held up to others to profess that, “well, our jobs are always changing; therefore we accept change and can deal effectively with it…” We seem to be proud that our work is in a constant state of evolution and that is why many IT’ers like the work. I’ve heard those comments from more than one.

Well, we now have an opportunity to stand and show this Agency that we believe what we’ve stated in the past. I believe we are currently at a crossroads… from an organizational standpoint. We have three staff positions open currently and decisions need to be made on several fronts. Considerations MUST be given to: Next Gen Goals, financial, short AND long term goals, technology growth/changes, skill sets needed today AND tomorrow and areas which need improvement. ALL are thoughts that need to be considered in determining how our organizational structure should look and function.

It can be difficult to “vision” technology because of its rapid change, but we must consider where technology will be in the next few years and begin to position ourselves towards implementing that technology efficiently and effectively. I can profess to you today that the IT Management Team is committed towards trying to meet those challenges.

It is my hope that when you wake up each day and look in the mirror that you see a “face of change” reflected back to you. We need employees who are committed towards embracing positive changes and working diligently to assist in accomplishing them; whether it is through sharing their ideas or in their actions.

I am optimistic about our current position in the fact that we can make some changes today that will improve Conservation in the future. All of us should be willing to step up to the challenge...to be that “face of change!”

TAFN