REACTIONARY change vs. INTENTIONAL change

Change is needed if an organization is going to be healthy. If you lead a church / ministry / non-profit then you have to be the change agent for your team. On their own people will avoid change...they will not ask for change...when change comes they will be frustrated with the change and talk about how great things used to be before the change. The fact still remains the same, HEALTHY ORGANIZATIONS embrace change and if you are the leader your responsibility is to lead the change process. When it comes to implementing change we have 2 options, reactionary change or intentional change.

People who lead through REACTIONARY CHANGE...

• Make changes only when people complain about what the organization does or does not do
• Delay implementing change until there is no other option
• Try to limit the power of other people on their team to make needed changes
• Resist the best ideas because too many people might not like the change
• Move forward with change only when they as a leader is completely stressed by current circumstances

Implementing change as a reaction to circumstances many times leads us to compromise our mission and values as an organization. We change or refuse to change due to circumstances and complaints rather than for long term heath.

Leaders who lead through INTENTIONAL CHANGE...

• See what is coming and change to prepare for what is next in the future of the organization
• Filter ideas for change through the mission, strategy, and values of the organization
• Empower other leaders in the organization to implement change when needed to bring health to the team
• Implement change even when there is a risk the change may not work (you never know many times until you try!)
• Embrace a culture of change through the entire organization...change is allowed and encouraged!

As a leader, how are you LEADING when it comes to change? Are you being intentional or are you simply reacting?