As you already know from a previous blog, I favor defining firm, challenging timelines in an EMR implementation. These create intensity, momentum and discipline.
In his latest management book, John P. Kotter describes the paramount importance of people within an organization having "A Sense of Urgency." (Check out below a brief presentation of his concepts.) In part of the book, he focuses on the importance of engaging employees emotionally in a change project. He cautions that a well-devised plan arouses little urgency in an organization. He goes on to explain that human brains are programmed much more for stories than for abstract ideas. He tells of using stories to create an mind/emotion understanding of the risks to the company and the employees should they not move forward.
In my psychodynamic therapist hat, I know that intellectual insight alone does not bring about change. The mind content needs to be directly linked to an emotional experience for an "Ah Hah!" to happen.
I’m going to revisit my presentations to try for less PowerPoint and more stories.
