8/14/2013
Innovations take hold through a social process, writes Atul Gawande in a recent New Yorker article. "In our era of electronic communications, we've come to expect that important innovations will spread quickly." However, it takes effort to change established practices and usual behaviors. That effort can be assisted by knowledgeable 'early adopters' of innovation through conversation, encouragement, and positive social interaction.
The role of change agent can be played by a trusted coworker, mentor, or organizational leader - someone who is able to help us see the alternative solution and its advantages. We become 'part of the change' when we are motivated to make the change and have the confidence to do so.