Life is Sailing

How do you inspire change? Have you ever seen the effective result of your attempts to promote change, be it in an organization or person? Does anyone have recommendations on books that were helpful to inform them on methods that produce positive change?

As a parent, we are often promoters and teachers of change. “Keep your feet off the table.” “You need to learn to clean your room without being told.” “How should you treat your brother?” “Everyone cannot talk to me at the same time.” Sometimes it feels like I am coaching change 24/7!

Thinking toward a small group of people… what is the most effective way to lead the culture toward the direction that will promote growth within the group? As a leader, these are questions that must be asked. Leading by example is key, of course. A leader who expects the rest of the group to follow a set of expectations they are not willing to follow will obviously run into resistance. It is hypocrisy, and most people catch on pretty quickly. However, leading by example does not seem to engender much of a desire to change perhaps because it is easy to look at someone else’s stellar example and think, “Well, that is great and seems to be working well for them, but that’s just not me.”

So how can someone lead a group to change? I think marketing tools could be handy here. Basically, they need to be sold on the idea that change will lead to better circumstances for them which will make them feel happier. Posting pictures of the desired change. Bringing in speakers who promote the idea well but in a subtle, education-growth opportunity mindset. Sometimes forcing small change (I know that sounds so harsh) can actually open the eyes and hearts of a group to the benefit that the idea holds.

This has happened about six times with my children this summer. It is almost comical. I will suggest we go somewhere… there will be a lot of grumbling “Do we have to? Can I just stay home? I don’t want to…” Then at the end, most of what I hear is, “Thanks, Mom, for bringing us here. It was so cool!” There is always one kiddo who refuses to acknowledge it was a great idea, but clearly he enjoyed the activity while doing it. So now that I have those six times in the bank, the next time I suggest an activity they are not wild about, I can say, “Remember last time how you thought you knew what you wanted. Trust me, adventure and change can be fun. Let’s try something new… with a grateful attitude upfront this time.”

So, how does change work in groups for you?