Every leader thinks about, and considers, change. It simply can't be, nor should it be, ignored. No matter what type of organization you lead, change is the key to many improvements in the growth, productivity and fruit of your group. So now is a good time to come up with an approach to how you view change itself, so that you will be better equipped to use it in the way that helps the most. Here are the main ideas:

First, change is necessary and good. Quite simply, you must change over time to succeed. I am not aware of one organization, church, small group or business which is doing well, and also doing things exactly the same, over time. The good ones are always asking, "How can we do things better? What problems do we need to address?" I was working with a business group that was extremely successful, with high profits and a good market share. If anyone could have rested on their laurels, it was them. But they wanted me to work with them on doing even better. In fact, it was that mentality that got them to where they were in the first place.

The mission and values may stay the same, but often even these must be adjusted if they don't fit the realities of the group. And certainly, strategies, structures and techniques are always changing. So make change your ally and build it in to your values, infrastructure, culture and conversations.

Change must have a focus and purpose. At the same time, change for change's sake isn't always helpful. Look at your goals, your people, and your obstacles. Focus changes on either taking advantage of a strength or opportunity, or on solving a problem that keeps you from success. For example, an organization with creative, innovative people may not need to focus on that process, but rather on a solid execution system that can evaluate the ideas, and move them effectively through the pipeline. Conversely, a business with a long tradition and history of success may need to look more at revamping things so as to continue with the values, while keeping up with where the market is today, and will be tomorrow. In other words, focus on changing what actually needs to be changed.

Develop an organizational culture that reinforces change. All throughout the history of business, churches and all sorts of organizations, the ones that have made a difference are the ones that weren't afraid to change, even if that meant trying out some clunkers! Look at the Super bowl commercials every January. Some of them are just not engaging, or are dumb, and a company spent millions on them - while others will help position a company for years and years. When people want to try new approaches, support them and affirm them. You certainly need to be prudent with how you resource them, and what you invest in them. But it is wise to factor in a significant amount of time, resource and energy to regularly exploring change with the right team.

Be part of the solution, not the problem. As change moves along its course in your group, it is inevitable that you, the leader, will come to some point in which you might have to admit that you are wrong, or had a bad idea, or resisted a good idea. This is a critical juncture for many leaders. It involves how invested you are in being perceived as right and good, or how invested you are in the success of the team and the group. Give up the need to be perceived as right, and go for change and improvement. When you sacrifice this perception issue, you will reap huge rewards. You support the growth of the group. People see you as someone who is real and can be trusted. And it is likely that they see through any attempts to be right at all costs anyway, so just give it up.

Stay connected outside of your organization. Cross-pollination provides perspectives, ideas and solutions that can be astoundingly helpful. Find other places where people are doing things well, especially as it relates to your work, and ask them questions. I remember when I attended a professional conference with a friend in the same business. He pointed out to me a few people who were at very high levels in that industry, whom he knew, and who were also attending. He said, "See those guys? They don't have notepads." It was true. They weren't there to learn, and it was a shame. Get the notepad and get to the meetings. Be humble and soak up information; we all need it.

Remember that God designed you to be changing, not just personally, but also in your tasks and work: "I press on to reach the end of the race (Phil. 3:14)." These principles will empower and encourage you to reach beyond yourself, get out of the boat, and enter the water where the excitement is! God bless you.

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

(Phillipians 3:14, NIV)

A one-week
intensive workshop for leaders
with Dr. Henry Cloud
and Dr. John Townsend

Upcoming Ultimate Leadership workshop
in San Juan Capistrano, California

September 9 - 14, 2007

Here's what one leader had to say about returning to Ultimate Leadership as part of an Alumni group...

The Ultimate Leadership alumni week once again proved to be well worth the financial investment and time commitment I made. My first Ultimate week set the stage for the work I accomplished during my second Ultimate week. I look forward to participating in the Ultimate process about every 24 to 36 months well into the future. My heart goes out to all those that have yet to realize that our growth process is a lifetime experience/process.

Many of the first-timers were asking me why I would return. My response was that it took me 45 years to get this messed up, and I expect it will take the next 45 to straighten me out. I believe that God calls me to take action to seek wholeness to the best of my ability. When I do, He takes me by the hand and leads me to a new level of appreciation for this life. Ultimate Leadership provides a safe environment where all I have to do is show up, serve up my stuff, and submit to the process

My two Ultimate experiences have made me a better husband, father, brother, son, friend and employer. I bring John and Henry's teachings into every role I have. Today, my life has very much improved. I am no longer the "people pleaser" and "doormat" I once was nor am I pas-sive or aggressive; but I have come to better assert myself, to love myself and others better, and to work to mirror reality in a loving way to those within my sphere of influence.

May God richly bless the whole Ultimate team!

Dan Scherneck
President Safeway Building Services, Inc.
Colton, CA

 

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Take a moment to click on the link-we think you'll agree that this our website is greatly improved! Along with easy access to helpful resources, it provides hundreds of video answers to questions on topics that are important to you: love, singleness, marriage, parenting, career, leadership, emotional struggles, and more. You can submit questions, participate in a Blog, build community online, and access endless free resources to help you navigate life. Let us know what you think of it!

DR. HENRY CLOUD AND DR. JOHN TOWNSEND PRESENT THE ULTIMATE LEADERSHIP SIMULCAST SERIES-VIA SATELLITE!

In their ongoing work with hundreds of leaders, psychologists Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend have identified issues and challenges relevant to leaders everywhere. A few years ago, they created Ultimate Leadership, a one-week intensive workshop designed to address these leadership issues. Workshops are held throughout the year in Southern California.

Now, in conjunction with CCN (Church Communication Network), Drs. Cloud and Townsend present a monthly simulcast series that continues and complements the leadership training offered in the Ultimate Leadership workshop. Each one-hour simulcast provides key leadership insights and practices, all solidly based on biblical principles of leadership and character development. Each is designed to help fulfill the desire all leaders share: to become better leaders!

Are you looking for great group material? Our Foundations curriculum kits are on sale now!

The Foundations program provides everything you'll need to lead group studies using some of the most popular Cloud-Townsend books:

Changes that Heal, Hiding from Love, Boundaries, and Safe People

Each kit includes: Teaching DVD, Leader's Guide, one copy of the companion book

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Take $25 off each kit for great savings! (Save $100 when you purchase all four kits)

We will add a FREE companion workbook for each kit purchased. (Savings from $11 - $44)

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Add any 10 books and your shipping is Free

This offer expires September 15, 2007

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