Some equate being a corrections reformer to being a traitor who is anti-corrections and therefore, anti-American, and that’s completely false. A reformer is an individual who tries to change and improve something, which is similar to a change agent, an individual who promotes and supports a new way of doing something.
In the words of English novelist Arnold Bennett, “any change, even for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” In the business world, employees must embrace change to stay ahead of the competition. Change is encouraged and welcomed, but in corrections, much of the workforce is resistant to change. As a profession, we fear it. We often don’t believe those who say that the proposed changes are intended to improve, not threaten, our jobs.
The Urgent Need for Collective Action
The American corrections system is in dire need of reform, and that’s from someone who has spent the past 37 years working in the corrections profession as a practitioner, leader, and educator. There’s no denying that corrections is a tough profession, but there are many other like-minded people who continue to contribute to the betterment of this profession.
But, as the saying goes, power is in numbers, right? So, if our fellow brothers and sisters in gray would come together, we could address the deficiencies within the US correctional system as it relates to its employees, particularly corrections officers.
Denying that the U.S. corrections system is in need of reform is foolish and unwise. To move forward with our reform initiatives, we need to actively recruit and retain “change agents” who respect and value our nation’s correctional system despite its flaws.
Moving Beyond Politics onto Progress
We need to stop with the constant finger-pointing as to who’s to blame and accept the reality that bipartisan political support is critical to moving forward with our reform initiatives. We need more than bipartisan support. We need action.
The paucity of research related to change agents within corrections speaks volumes for the need to actively recruit and retain officers who identify as change agents in spearheading our reform efforts in corrections. These individuals should not be feared but rather welcomed for their progressive thinking. Therefore, we need to search for and recruit the leaders in corrections who have the character traits of an effective change agent.
The Benefits of a Change-Oriented Mindset
Many see “reform” as “we’re doing something wrong,” and that’s simply not true. Some may perceive a “change agent” as “someone who’s going to make my job harder,” which again, is not the case.
Change agents embrace reform initiatives to create positive changes within the profession. They make the job safer, improve staffing and morale, reduce chaos and unpredictability, and do what is needed so officers can go home safely.
They accomplish this by following the “five important qualities of an effective change agent” as outlined in a 2019 Michigan State University article, including:
- Flexibility
- Diversified knowledge
- Priority and results-focused
- Ownership and responsibility
- Effective communication skills
Five Strategies for Leading Change Through Relationships
In a 2012 Forbes magazine article, Maria Gamb noted that the starting point to becoming an agent of change always begins with you, your relationships with others, and the quality of those relationships. Gamb suggested the following is needed to build and improve the relationships you have with those who may not see the bigger picture or trust that you have their best interests in mind with the proposed changes.
- Rebuild Trust Among Your Peers and Colleagues: As I mentioned, many, but obviously not all, corrections professionals are distrustful of those who identify as reformers or change agents. According to Gamb, “people will work for, be loyal to, and follow those they trust,” so establishing trust is an essential step in moving forward.
- Change Your Own Perception: In corrections, we tend to become very jaded and cynical over time, which often leads us to see the world differently, often through a dark lens of negativity and pessimism. You need to be positive and exude optimism in your attitude and outlook in creating the change that’s necessary for the betterment of all in our chosen profession.
- Decide What Is Truly Important: Avoid being adversarial for the greater good of everyone involved. People will respect you more for it. Remain open-minded and always remember that the change you support is intended to help many, not just a select few.
- Be Predictable: Gamb suggests using the “3 C’s” in everything you do. Be clear about your vision, communicate often, and lastly, be consistent in your actions. Being predictable brings attention to your personal code of ethics and your belief in fair play, and this helps in establishing trust among your followers.
- Reconsider Your Position: Always ask yourself, “Are the changes you are suggesting for the betterment of all or for only a small group of individuals?” Gamb added, “When people see that you are in it for the betterment of others, rather than just a few, you are more likely to create a strong movement that others are willing to support.”
People want to believe that things will get better and that you always have their best interests in mind. In this profession, your word obviously carries a great deal of weight, but it is your actions that truly define you.
