Lessons Learned about Transformation: PHASE-Industries

PHASE-Industries is a day and employment provider serving people with disabilities in rural Minnesota. In 2021, PHASE-Industries decided to transition away from a center-based, subminimum wage service model to one of competitive, integrated employment. Early in PHASE-Industries’ journey of transformation, progress was slow because some staff members felt the organization was only making changes because the state was imposing new policies upon them. CEO Tim Schmutzer identified the need to seek buy-in and input from all stakeholder groups: staff, managers, board members, the people being served, and their families, guardians, and loved ones. A key piece of earning stakeholder buy-in was grounding the transformation planning and messaging in why the organization was making these changes. Namely, transformation aligns with PHASE-Industries' mission: to empower people to live, work, and thrive through the discovery and development of their individual abilities. The PHASE-Industries team communicated what the changes would mean for each person, but, eventually, success became the best persuader. When people served felt the sense of accomplishment of getting their first competitive job, their pride and satisfaction spread to others who, in turn, championed PHASE's transformation.