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josh@joshhhunt.com

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Little changes are the key to big change

When we think of change, we tend to think of big, sweeping changes. Change is often about a thousand incremental changes. Only occasionally do we need to orchestrate a whole new thing.

Successfully orchestrating a lot of little changes lays the foundation for big changes when they are needed.

Recently, my wife’s Sunday School class has been overcrowded—always a good problem to have. But, problems are still problems. If not addressed, the class would not continue to grow.

All the options involved spending money, doing a good deal of work, or disrupting someone else’s space. None of them seemed ideal. There was some difference of opinion as to which one was least distasteful.

I came to the class and presented the problem. It is always a good idea to give people problems and let them come up with solutions. Everyone agreed we had a problem. (I brought it up on a day when the class was especially crowded.) I listed every possible solution I could think of, and left it with them. It is always a good idea to let people have time to think. I usually do my best thinking after the meeting is over.

A few weeks later, someone came up with a solution I had not thought about. It was better than any idea I had thought of, and it was readily accepted by the group. Problem solved. Another small change navigated.

Each time something like this happens, the leader gets a little credit. If the issue goes badly, he gets a little blame. If a number of these situations come and go and they are all negotiated well, people are more likely to accept the big change when it comes along. If small changes create a constant tension, the leader will never successfully pull off big changes.

Think of the leader as having a change bank account. When a change happens smoothly, he gets a deposit into his account. If he creates a mess, there is a withdrawal. If there are enough withdrawals, he gets fired.

So, I close with this advice: concentrate on making lots of small changes that almost everyone feels good about. Don’t think about changing to a completely different musical style; think in terms of improving the music. Give your facilities a hard look and find some ways to improve the look of your building. While you are at it, improve the smell of your building.

Make as many small, positive changes as you can. Build up that change account. Then, if you negotiate a big change and it goes badly, you will have some resources in the change bank to draw from.

May God richly bless your efforts to serve His church.