If you are an administrator in a department that has been performing well, what is the best approach to introducing change?

• A. Override all existing policies
• B. Continue the policies of your predecessor, gradually introducing needed changes
• C. Do nothing
• D. Publicly criticize previous management

Answer: (A)

Introducing change in a department that is already performing well hinges on setting a clear, unified direction. When you want to shift priorities quickly and ensure everyone is working under the same rules, replacing the existing policy framework creates a single, coherent structure for how work should be done, how decisions are made, and what success looks like. This kind of decisive realignment reduces mixed signals and avoids the friction that can come from patching in new practices on top of old policies. It also signals strong leadership and helps embed the new goals into daily routines, governance, and performance measures, so the shift isn’t just talk but becomes part of how the department operates.

Of course, sweeping changes carry risk and require careful communication, stakeholder input, and compliance checks to prevent disruption and maintain legitimacy. Alternatives that keep the old policies with only gradual tweaks tend to produce fragmented changes and slower progress, doing nothing keeps the status quo, and publicly criticizing past management undermines trust and doesn’t establish a practical path forward.