I wrestle with change, a lot. I have come to appreciate that knowing what to change is the easiest part of change. With an order of magnitude, it is tougher to know “how” to change. Geometrically harder is the “why”. As factual as one might want to make it, the change “why” has to resonate with each person you are asking to do something differently than s/he has in the past.
Occasionally the answer to the why question is clear. In my past, I have an example of a common enemy threatening the team’s survival. In another situation, I have an irrational statement made by someone with the ability to dictate corporate actions as the clear and present danger. Most of the time, there is no obvious reason to change.
The pivotal nature the why premise is a presumption that something will be better. It is validated with the realization of the benefits and reality of the rationale. Life continues to remind me how important it is to link the story together at the beginning. The premise to why needs to include the reward. I would like to suggest that ultimately the reward comes in two parts. First, rewards come to the community we find ourselves in. Second, we benefit. I do not think the sequence matters, however there is a need for both external and internal rewards if the change is going to be sustainable.
An old story starts with a premise; “Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God, turn your backs on the world’s ‘sure thing,’ ignore what the world worships.” (Psalm 40.4) Some stop there, confident that everyone will understand the why. The why question is left undiscovered. Life reminds me that it is helpful to share the experiences and outcomes that others have found on this journey. Two key pieces that make the story more whole. Life is best when lived through compassion and love. Communities are sources of hope when compassion and love are at the center.
In answering why, change morphs from a requirement to a personal quest.
