In a recent TCA Board of
Directors meeting, we were
discussing how to make TCA
more relavant for our members
and what changes we need to
implement to accomplish this
goal. As I sat in the meeting –
listening to the TCA Board
discuss change, I realized how
this discussion could parallel
how we can become more
successful in our profession. Not
only is this discussion important
for our association to progress,
but it is also critical for keeping our professional life
progressing and being more relavant for those we serve.
Progress involves change. I have often wondered if
McDonald's would still be in business if they were only
selling the all American burger as they did in the fifties. Do
you know that McDonald's sells more chicken today than
they do hamburgers? Now that is change. Change means
being flexible and open to all the possibilities that exist.
The corrections profession has been facing the challenges
and opportunities of change particularly during the past year. As
leaders in the corrections field we must all be open to change
and exercise wisdom in managing change. We inherently resist
change because it is uncomfortable. But change is necessary,
change brings growth, change brings opportunity, change brings
stability. This is what we as leaders and professionals do; we
must accept and manage change successfully.
We can either remain in our own small world and be left
behind or we can embrace productive change and take charge
of our future. Great leaders and successful professionals keep
ahead of the curve by leading their people into growth worthy
changes.
One of the primary goals of TCA is to provide the
corrections professionals with first class training. The training
is not only educational but also helps position us all to take
advantage of the changes that surround us today.
With this in mind, I hope you will circle December 1-2,
2011 on your calendar and plan to attend the TCA Mid
Winter Conference. The 2011 Mid Winter Conference,
Mental Health; Substance Abuse and Assessment Issues, will
be highlighted by outstanding speakers: Senator John
Whitmire; Ed Latessa; and Faye Taxman. Our workshops will
focus on providing useful strategies to handle juvenile and
adult populations from an agency and line perspective. Please visit www.txcorrections.org to register.
There are a number of obstacles we must confront and
overcome during these times of change. A big obstacle is fear.
Fear of the unknown. Fear that there may be something out
of our control or not within our ability to handle. As the
leaders of our agencies or companies or departments, we
must create the confidence and trust with those above and
below us that change can be positive and will lead to the
progress and success we all seek.
I realize this is the true challenge for me and for all of us
in the corrections world – keep the enthusiasm high by
keeping the focus on the rewards, security, and positive
results that change will bring.
As we near the end of the year – take a few minutes to
evaluate your professional life and see how you can make
change a positive in your life. Maybe like McDonald's, you
need to add "chicken" to your menu. Being open to change
and being flexible will make a difference as you grow in the
corrections profession.
