Transformation: What you need to truly achieve it?

We have heard the word transformation as many statewide initiatives are launched. I have continuously heard from people implementing these initiatives that getting people and systems to change is challenging.  We must articulate what transformation means and not get stuck in simply transactional processes. First, our focus if we are to be transformational is to shift mindsets and hearts and inspire action through a shared understanding of what needs to be achieved.  We must invite people to focus on a culture that wants to do better and is willing to reflect on policies, practices, and systems change to alter how institutions operate.  Too often, initiatives are transactional by rushing to focus on implementing interventions, programs, and projects whose strategies are linear and one-directional instead of engaging bi-directionally with communities.  We get caught up checking off a list based on our old mindset, and we spin our wheels and get frustrated when we don’t see the impact we want.  Transformation can only happen when radical mindset shifts are first the focus.  Transformation requires shared leadership and power and a commitment to equitable practices in every aspect of the organization's processes, governance, vision, and values to achieve true impact. Our outcomes become transactional when we embark on immediate, short-term goals with a quick turnaround that is often weak and unsustainable.  This focus may create short-term gains but leaves the existing structures in place.  If we want long-term change, we must consider changing our existing structures.  Strategies must focus on those early wins but with a look out to the horizon by working early on the formal written policies and informal, ongoing systems changes needed for transformation to occur.  A solution that is single-issue focused and still operates under the same system is most likely transactional.  A transformational focus cuts across multiple issues and institutions for a more significant impact to improve systems and reduce barriers.  Next time you embark on a transformational initiative, think about what you are focusing on and if you are doing the foundational work to create radical cultural shifts and create the conditions for change to occur, first in small increments but with an eye on a larger scale.  After the funds are gone or cut, we must always consider what our initiatives are leaving behind as a legacy that will have a lasting positive impact and change for communities.