Guiding Principles
Our work is rooted in three key principles that shape our approach to working with change teams and projects. Each principle permeates each of the four phases of the SEER Process and serves as a unique foundation for change capacity and success.
Sight
Change within the higher education landscape exists within complex systems that can help or hinder reform efforts. We work with clients to better see the systems they operate in, including political, cultural, structural, and historical dynamics (among others) within and between constituent groups. By better “seeing” the variables in play, change teams and projects can select and implement more effective change interventions.
Dialogue
All too often, the need for and mechanics of change are poorly communicated in organizational change efforts. We argue that change is firmly situated within the strong relationships of the people within and closely connected to institutions and organizations. We help clients develop effective dialogue skills to employ within their teams to improve collaborative dynamics and to build momentum and support for their change efforts.
Humanity
Institutions and organizations are not autonomous, anthropomorphized, self-aware entities. All change, including the factors that drive it, intersects with diverse human beings who vary in their formal and informal roles, experiences, and backgrounds. We work with clients to unpack the human dimension of their change efforts and help bring forward the voices of relevant constituent groups to shape more effective interventions, evaluation strategies, and outcomes.
The Institute is an extension of the former National Change Initiative of the NSF Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Aspire Alliance.
