Change is constant – whether gradual and incremental or seemingly instantaneous, it is undeniably always happening. Technology, business, communication, education, and especially healthcare – new ideas and products and approaches are introduced every day. In all walks of leadership, we can either choose to fight change or to embrace it. For most businesses and groups, complacency is the enemy of growth. Here are a few tips to avoid stagnancy in your HOSA chapter and personal life.

• Look for things you do not already know. Whether it be technical procedures or new social networking platforms – keep your eyes open for the unfamiliar. Not every new thing you read about will be of benefit to your chapter, but it is helpful to keep a finger on the pulse of innovation.
• Surround yourself with members who think differently. We all bring our own backgrounds and strengths and weaknesses to the table when running HOSA and other organizations in your school, so make every effort to keep the room filled with diverse thought. Members who can dialogue and disagree respectfully can turn out some incredible, original solutions to old problems.
• Do not take things personally. Our culture of social media makes it very easy for anyone and everyone to have an opinion – and quickly – on just about any trending topic. This trickles over into face to face conversations as well. Try to avoid jumping to the defense when you feel baited. Not every bad idea needs to be shot down, and not every off-the-cuff comment needs a reply. Sometimes, it simply is not about you. Change is simpler when you can sort out the valuable input from the background noise.
• Encourage underclassmen to take on leadership roles. Whether you have held the reins of your chapter for three years or five months, it can be nerve-wracking to see valuable input come from new sources. But fresh eyes will often spy chinks in the armor that a more seasoned leader would overlook.
• Know why you do the things you do. Beware anytime you are tempted to say “we have always done things this way.” Look for a deeper, better reason for your practices. If you cannot come up with one – start brainstorming and embrace change.

Do not be afraid to lead change in your classrooms and schools and HOSA chapters. The diverse and rapidly evolving healthcare industry needs fresh leaders, ready and willing to think outside the box.