Growth requires change.
There’s no way around it. If you want to grow personally or if you want your business, church, or non-profit to grow, you must change.
Change creates chaos.
Again, there’s no way around it. If you want to change yourself, it’s going to impact the people around you. Some of them won’t like it. They’ll push back. They’ll try to keep you from changing.
If you’re going to change your organization, it’s going to impact the people within your organization. Many of them like the way things are. They’re comfortable. They’re afraid change will negatively impact them. If you try to change your organization, some of them will resist. They’ll complain. They may even leave.
The only way to avoid the chaos of change is to not change. But not changing leads to death. Dying creates chaos too.
So, would you rather experience the chaos that comes with growth or the chaos that comes with death?
I’ll take the chaos that comes with growth.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize and navigate the chaos that comes with change and growth. Scott Wilson, senior pastor of Oaks Fellowship has written an excellent book called Steering Through Chaos, which helps pastors and church leaders navigate the chaos of change. I posted a review Monday. I’m giving away a copy at noon today (Wed 3/17), so as of the publishing of this post, you still have time to click over to the review and win a copy.
In what ways do you want to change yourself or your organization but have been holding back because of fear of chaos?
This is a great reminder and post. I’ll have to check out the book you reviewed, it sounds very good.
Thanks Kristine!
Paul, have you ever encountered a cause/effect model called Cynefin?
It’s another way to look at confusing and chaotic conditions. I’ve also found it helpful in explaining why we resist the chaos of growth for the predictable paths of status quo.
Here’s a YouTube introduction to the model:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mqNcs8mp74
Keep creating…it freaks people out,
Mike
Thanks Mike. That’s the first I’ve heard of the Cynefin Framework. Interesting. I’ll have to learn more about it.