Dear ASHHRA Colleagues,

Welcome, spring! After what many felt was the winter that would never end, this seasonal change is most welcome. However, it is probably one of the few change moments in our life that we truly embrace with enthusiasm. I recently heard a speaker who asked the crowd how many in the group were "change-enthusiasts." A brave, naïve few raised their hands. The "change-resistors" number was much higher. The change enthusiasts were challenged to think through the last time they had changed something simple, something personal. The speaker asked when was the last time you brushed your teeth with the non-dominant hand. For men, when was the last time you began shaving on the opposite side of where you usually begin? For all, when was the last time you drove to work using a brand new route? It was a simple, humorous way to demonstrate that we may espouse to be part of the brave, early adaptor crowd, but really are more comfortable with the familiar patterns of our lives. 

This truth is important to face as we in health care human resources are being bombarded with change all around us. New laws and regulations (are you up to speed?); new organizations due to mergers, acquisitions or internal re-structuring (are you demonstrating value in meaningful ways?); and new opportunities to partner and strategize within and beyond your organization (are you building relationships and stepping out to lead?). All the above and more are our new reality. It will require us to demonstrate skills well within our traditional wheelhouse of relationship building and rule-following. It will also require us to stretch to be people strategists. ASHHRA is here to help. With mentors, research, local and national partners, use your membership to become the most impactful change agent you can be! 

Spring brings a sense of renewal, hope and energy. Best of luck to you as you prepare to move with gusto through this season of change. Remember, a change in the road isn’t the end of the road, unless you fail to make the turn.

ASHHRA 2014 President

Vice President, Chief Human Resource Officer

St. Luke’s Health System