Jack C. Randall, CIC, PCLA, PFMM
© 2016 – All rights reserved.
“If we don’t change, we will cease to be who we’ve been!” WHAT?!!
Recently, our church celebrated its 32nd anniversary. My wife and I strategically selected a comfortable seat to hear the sermon. I casually assumed, however, that due to the celebratory occasion, the pastor’s message would largely consist of a somewhat bloated, yet thankful history lesson, devoid of any “meaty” concepts. I was wrong.
He began with several interesting concepts to ponder. “If we don’t remember who we are, we will lose our identity. If we forget who we are, we will become something we never intended to be!” (2016, Darrell Jones.) After a quick recap of some milestones throughout our church’s history, he reflected: “These were the things that were important to us then. These are the (same) things that are important now!”
He cited numerous examples that, while our means may have changed through the years, we had remained true to our purpose. To allow growth from a handful of people to several hundred, he argued that it had been imperative that we undergo change to make this growth possible. Then, he said something rather profound: “If we don’t change, we will cease to be who we’ve been! … We should continually be changing, in order that we might remain true to our purpose, (our) mission”.
Wow! What a great way to articulate the need for a Mission Statement and to utilize it as a frequently used, working reference and catalyst for change! If you think about it, these same truths he shared also apply to your organization. Your Mission should concisely state your purpose – your reason for existing. By continually referring back to that Mission, it will keep you focused, on-track, and growing… and not becoming something you never intended to be.
In my work helping leaders and the organizations they serve find focus, clarity, and direction for their future, I hear two common misconceptions regarding to the topics of Mission and Change:
Misconception #1: “We probably have a Mission Statement somewhere, but we rarely need to refer to it!” or “We never saw the need to adopt a Mission Statement!”
If you or your organization find yourselves in either of these camps, you are missing many opportunities to make your tough decisions easier to make, less complicated, and more hassle free! If you know and frequently refer to your purpose, your future focus will remain clear allowing you to be more concentrated in your efforts, as opposed to trying to be everything to everyone and take on the whole world. It helps you avoid meandering, confusion, and frequent “flavor of the month” pursuits.
Misconception #2: “If we really want to hold to our original Mission, we will need to stay the same and actually resist change.”
I am sure that you and I can agree that change simply for the sake of change is both stressful and costly. But change to help you do a better, more efficient job of reaching more people in line with your purpose makes perfect sense. The key is to always keep your eye on your Mission. As I speak to audiences, I frequently use the phrase, “Timeless Principles, Modern Methods.” What are those causes, those principles, those values and beliefs that your organization firmly embraces and must never let go of? Then, armed with those answers, ask another question: “What are the best means or methods we might use to accomplish them?” As you constantly ask and answer that last question, you will find your own road toward gold. I am positive that, with the changing times, you will find you NEED to abandon the status quo. You will NEED to change and adopt new means or methods to carry out your purpose to help more and more people.
Change… If you want to continue to be relevant to your clients, change won’t be an option for you. It will be a requirement!
We’re here to help. How might we assist you or your organization to plan for a successful future?
To Your Success,
Jack
Is your mutual’s Future brighter than your past? I firmly believe it CAN be.
What specific questions do you have? Give me a call at 816-617-4823 or drop me an email.
If I can assist you with your mutual’s Mission, 5-Year Vision, or Strategic Plan, just let me know. I would love to help you achieve the success you desire!