Consider the benefits and challenges of leadership. How do you foresee that honing your leadership skills may enhance your ability to successfully translate evidence into practice?
Below are guidelines for your practicum and Discussion.
Speak with your practicum mentor about evidence-based changes that are currently underway or have recently been implemented in your practicum setting.
Critically analyze the practicum environment to determine what practices or situations are ineffective or would benefit from change. Assess data and refer to theory as you do this.
Propose a change in the practicum setting related to the translation of evidence into practice at the aggregate level. (Note: You are not required to implement the change, but you should select something that is feasible and appropriate given your practicum setting. You will use this proposed change to gain insights related to planning for and implementing change.)
As you engage in your practicum experience, develop your journal entry, and prepare for the Discussion, keep the following questions in mind:
What is the role of leadership in the change process—specifically as it relates to your practicum setting and the change you have identified? What are some facilitating and inhibiting factors with regard to leadership and this issue? Refer to leadership and change theory.
What opportunities and challenges could arise based on your personal leadership style as well as your role within your practicum setting?
ASSIGNMENT 3
One page 2 references PEER REVIEW JOURNAL ARTICLES
Who provides formal and informal leadership within your practicum setting? What power and/or authority do these individuals hold? How has this influenced planning for and implementing change in the past?
In this Discussion, you analyze the dynamics of your practicum setting with attention toward developing political acumen, which can be highly beneficial in your effort to facilitate evidence-based change. You also consider the need for education and methods that could be used to promote knowledge integration among various stakeholders. As you probe these issues, your goal is to develop strategies for building alliances that would support the successful implementation of the change you are proposing for your practicum experience.
To prepare:
How would you describe the distribution of formal and informal power, as well as authority, within your practicum setting? Think about the constellation of professional roles. Which ones are most salient for the change you are proposing? Who holds each of these roles? Who else within the organization might have political clout and be able to serve as an ally? What approach would you take to build productive alliances and generate buy-in for your proposed change?
How do you anticipate that this change would cascade through the environment? What strategies would you employ to generate wide-scale interest and investment in your proposed change, as well as the education necessary for successful adoption? Evaluate specific structures related to communication, training, organizational culture, and other factors that relate to the implementation of sustainable change.
What kinds of issues related to organizational structure and culture or interpersonal dynamics could pose a challenge for creating buy-in and/or promoting knowledge integration?
In addition to reviewing this week’s Learning Resources, be sure to speak with individuals in your practicum setting and conduct additional research to enrich your thinking for this Discussion.