Most of the time when we hear or see that word, we associate it with a change. Change can bring with it a lot of uncertainty AND so much momentum, growth and progress. For many of us in the world of work, we embrace change because it represents positive advancement and productivity. There is of course, a portion of the population that is absolutely stammered by even the thought of change.
Change can happen naturally over the course of time because of shifting cultures and generational adaptation to society. Change can also happen in a moment due to employment modification (being fired or released because of a re-org, new job, etc…), marriage, adding a new child to your family and even death. These things are part of the natural rhythm of living, but they create change that can be jarring to say the least.
Here’s what I’m ruminating on today. What do we do when we actually need to manufacture change and transition? When we know we must make some shifts in order to achieve the next level of growth, results and outcomes? Whether it is a personal breakthrough that’s needed or a professional development to achieve new revenue goals or market leadership, I believe there is a simple answer.
Set aside time.
Whether it’s in the form of a 2-day offsite with your executive team or a personal one day retreat to gain some clarity on a big life decision, the best way to discover the necessary next steps is to get away from the day-to-day responsibilities and use the time to dream, ponder and discern.
The equation: Change of place + change of pace = change of perspective.
This is an axiom from Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C. and it works.
Every business needs to slow down in order to go fast. Quarterly two-day offsites are essential for executives (especially in our world of remote working) to continue to build continuity and cohesion, to wrestle down the next hill to charge and to celebrate the WINs over the last quarter. I also believe that this is a good practice on a personal level in order to reflect, rest and recalibrate for the future.
What do you do to force yourself into the high altitudes of Wonder and Invention? How do you manufacture good, healthy and necessary change and transition for yourself personally and in your organization?