I recently had the privilege of serving as a resource person for a one-day session on “Change Management” for Batch 34 of the Middle Managers Class (MMC) of the Managing High-Performing Public Sector Organization (MHPPSO) program. Held on September 19, 2024, the session was attended by 40 leaders from 24 government and government-owned institutions. The MMC is a ladderized master’s degree program of the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).
To make the most of our eight hours together, I provided participants with advance reading materials on recent published articles on change management. Each of the seven learning teams in MMC 34 was also asked to select a change initiative within their organization as a mini-case study for the session. This practical approach allowed us to connect concepts and principles with real-world applications.
What I found most rewarding about delivering this module was the vibrant interaction and openness of the participants. They shared their professional and even personal experiences with change management, enriching the learning environment with diverse perspectives. Despite the intensive demands of the entire MHPPSO program, Batch 34’s energy and enthusiasm were palpable—they were engaged, reflective, and, most importantly, having fun.
It was particularly inspiring to see that many of the initiatives discussed during the mini-case study were not hypothetical but part of ongoing projects within their respective institutions. At the conclusion of the session, I felt a renewed sense of optimism from the genuine efforts underway to improve various sectors of government, driven by leaders who are not only capable but also committed to making a difference.
The personal experiences shared by participants also opened the door to discuss broader topics related to change management, such as the importance of self-care and the critical role leaders play in fostering trust and psychological safety within their teams. These are essential components for any successful change initiative.
Over the past three decades, I have been fortunate to be part of numerous local, regional, and even global initiatives. Sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these experiences is one of the ways I try to give back. It’s my personal mission to help others flourish, and I believe that contributing to the growth of our public sector leaders is a meaningful way to do just that.
