I think we waste a lot of time in change management that we really don’t have to waste. Here’s a time saving tip when you are considering a change.
I’m guessing, but I believe this could cut your decision-making in half.
How to save time in change management:
First decide if you’re going to make the change.
Before you spend any time deciding how you will implement the change, decide if it is a change you are going to make.
I’ve been in brainstorming meetings so many times where we are trying to decide whether or not we would make a change. The conversation quickly starts going towards the details of how we would implement the change. It is almost as if we had already decided to make the change.
And time is wasted. We never even made the change. In fact, we talked ourselves out of it by getting into the details. We could have saved a lot of time if we had first decided if it was a change worth making.
Many times, after a brainstorming session, we decide not to make the chage at all. But I’ve learned people like to discuss the how. So, when the conversation goes to how, before the decision has even been made to change, I like to draw our attention back to the original question. “Should we make this change – or not?”
- Is it a worthy change?
- Will it move the mission forward?
- Will people invest the time and energy into making it a reality?
Many times there will be no passion towards accomplishing the change regardless of how good the change seems. Sometimes it is clearly not good timing for the change and, with a quick discernment, everyone knows it. Maybe it is a change that is needed, but it is best is to wait. Tabling the idea for now makes more sense. Sometimes the win is not worth the effort.
If we are supposed to do it. If God is calling us to this. If this makes sense for us to do – or try – regardless of the risks or fears or unknowns in the room – then we will find a way to make it happen. We will plow through the details and work for solutions. When we know it is something we are going to move forward with the answers are easier to find.
Rather than continuing the discussion of a change you aren’t even going to make now save your time and energy for another discussion.
There are exceptions, but:
Discussing the “how” before the “if” usually wastes valuable time and energy.
If its a worthy and needed change you’ll figure out the how.
Any questions?
Thanks Pastor Ron for the insights — Discussing the “how” before the “if” usually wastes valuable time and energy. This is true. I believe that along with "if", we can also include the "why".
Many times, I see people failing to address this "why" before harping on to "how"? When we are able to answer the "why", then "if" and subsequently "how" can be managed with ease and confidence.
I feel that this is the one of the prime reasons for success of the 'purpose driven people' in this world.
Very good Uma. Thank you!