In their book, Toolkit for Organizational Change (2007), Cawsey & Deszka state, “The most powerful visions tap into our need to be part of something better; they appeal to our emotions and move us beyond where we are.” For years I’ve said that one of the best ways to recruit volunteers is to make sure that they see the team mission as something bigger than themselves and the team in action, because people want to be a part of a winning team. Think for a moment of a successful sports team. These are usually comprised of talented individuals who have come together with a championship mission in mind, the will to continually improve, and the commitment to not just stay in the comfort and safety of the locker room, but actually run out onto the field and play the game. On draft day, many want to join that kind of team, and they are willing to do whatever it takes to have their shot at a championship. I fully believe that most people want to be a part of something that is great which is accomplishing a worthwhile goal.
To do that, though, it takes many attributes and commitments from the individual, including a strong work ethic, personal sacrifice, loyalty, and strategic thinking. Today let’s take a look at another thing that it takes to be a part of a winning team — the ability to change. Now, I realize change is a horrifying word for many who will do everything they can to avoid moving even slightly from their status quo. Change represents risk and uncertainty. It causes hearts to tremble and, let’s face it, change is downright inconvenient, especially for those who are satisfied and want things to stay the same indefinitely. Unfortunately, that’s not how nature works, or how thriving organizations work.
Take a look at a garden and you will see that nothing ever stays the same. All plants are either in the process of growing or dying. It’s the same with relationships, business plans, and organizations. The only way to keep a garden living is to tend it, continually adding new soil and new plants. A relationship cannot continue to thrive without tending, nor a business, and especially not an organization. The methods that worked successfully yesterday must be tended and adjusted to meet today’s culture and challenges if the organization is to continue to prosper. Cawsey & Deszka also state, “Many assume that the need for change is easily recognizable, obvious, and evident from the environment. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.” Organizational theory leader Charles Handy states, “…by the time you know where you ought to go, it’s too late.” These two statements show that change must be a continual part of the organizational DNA. You can’t make change a reaction to a growing problem; it must be a strategic proactive activity in order to stay ahead of the growing dying cycle.
Years ago I adopted a phrase from a speaker at a conference I attended. I don’t remember who it was, but it stuck with me. They said, “Stay in the creative stage.” I apply this to my weekly work and my large-scale seasonal projects. I have to continually be in the creative stage so that the experiences I prepare for audiences and the volunteers involved don’t become overly predictable, tired, or just plain boring, because if they do, the effective return for our mission will greatly suffer. Generally, the public will be drawn to creativity, and if they grow tired of the same old thing, they’ll eventually leave to find something that piques their interest or stirs their imagination. I must always stay in the creative stage the organization I serve is to achieve its mission. I also apply this to my other professional and personal pursuits.
One final thing on this is another phrase which I recently heard at another conference I attended. The speaker was best-selling author Bob Goff who literally had the crowd on its feet, cheering. He said, “You have to live life on the edge of YIKES!” Wow. That’s fantastic. I can’t imagine a better way to live and lead. When you do so, you are living as one who is willing to step out, take risks, think like a dreamer, make bold plans, and embrace change – all with the potential to make positive progress in your life, and even change the world! Change isn’t easy. It takes courage and a willingness to lead from humility, shedding our personal agenda, insecurities, and ego. But it is absolutely crucial if we are to move forward. We’ll talk more about this, I’m sure.
Lead well.