Implementing a significant change like a re-organization, moving the laboratory, implementing a new LIMS, etc. is one of the biggest challenges for a laboratory manager.  There’s comfort in the status quo, but change is often necessary to ensure that the laboratory is operating at its top efficiency.  Change can’t be accomplished through an email or a Monday morning group meeting.  Change is a process, not an event.

Start by painting the picture of why, when, how and what it will look like.  People will want to know what’s in it for me.  They may resist.  Listen to their issues.  Get all stakeholders on board including staff, customers and upper management.  Implement, but continue to monitor and support the change.  Change should be based on improvement, not change for the sake of change.

Remember that change is a process, not an event.  Becoming a leader is also a process and that process begins with a commitment to continual learning to develop the skills required and to grow as an organization and client needs change.  Commit to the process of leadership and continual learning by attending ALMA2019 Leadership Development Conference.