Change is inevitable. If we did not change we would all still be flipping lyric transparencies on an overhead projector, or loading slides into a slide carousel if you were really advanced. We would still be threading celluloid into dusty projectors and arranging pieces of clipart with Scotch tape for photocopying.
Although change is often necessary it is not always easy. Some people like it more than others. I have found that the people that like change the most are the people that come up with the ideas. The people that hate change are the people that are blindsided with it and don't feel that there is a need to do things differently.
It is easy for a leader to get frustrated when people are not able to immediately see the brilliance of their plans. If you realize how people process change then it will be easier for you to implement it. The first, and maybe most important, thing to realize is that it takes time for people to adjust to change. Your audio team may be intimidated at the prospect of having to learn a new digital mixing console, but if you give them the proper time to process them will likely come on board.
Here are three steps that you can use to help make the changes that you implement go smoothly:
Cast the Vision
The question that will be on your team's mind, although they may not verbalize it, is “What's in it for me?” They are already comfortable with the old way of doing things, so why should they change. This is where vision-casting comes in.
They need to know why this change is needed. They also need to understand how it will affect them and how it will make them be able to do their role even better. In this process, it is best to not just rattle off information, you should try to draw some of these answers out of them. Asking them how they think these new changes will affect your department will help them to start buying into the new changes.
Make the Change
As you begin actually making the changes and installing new equipment or implementing new processes, let your team know how it is going. Make sure that the first time your camera operators see your new cameras is not on the Sunday morning when they are serving. Let them know that you are making the changes and invite them to come and get involved.
During this time of change, you may need to make some time to help some of your volunteers --- either one-on-one or in a group setting --- to understand how these changes will affect them. Make the time to train them thoroughly. Nothing is more frustrating than being expected to use new equipment that you are unfamiliar with.
Evaluate the Change
Once the new changes have been implemented take the time to check in with your team to see how things are going. Be careful not to dismiss their frustrations and complaints. You may find that there are further tweaks and changes needed to make things function smoothly.
Make sure that you pass on any praise that you hear about the improvements to your team. For example, if someone in the church comments that the music sounds so much better, let your team know. This will help them to feel like they played a vital part in improving the overall quality of your services.
Editor's Note: The original version of this article was published on churchproduction.com in May 2014.
