Change, Fear and the Collision of Best Intentions

I grow increasingly fascinated by the dynamics of change, the vagaries of why and how change happens and how people and organizations react to it. Spring is a natural season for change as it is a time when ideas germinate and take root, when dormancy is replaced by growth.

Change is all around me these days, at work, in the community and at home. At work, we're about to announce a new budget and the all the requisite changes it will inspire. In the community, we're facing what promises to be a dynamic election season, as we usher in a new Mayor and Council this fall. At home, the boys are growing older, changing by the day, and the yard is waking up changing from winter's white to spring's bouquet of color.

Professionally, I am in the business of change, looking for new ideas and better ways of doing things. In my volunteer life, I have been immersed for years in the dynamics of change with groups like Events Wood Buffalo, Theatre Alberta, Nonprofit Sector Link, Big Spirit and Leadership Wood Buffalo.

Let's be honest though, change breeds fear, and sometimes a collision of best intentions. I know there are a few scoundrels in life, whose intentions are not so good, but generally speaking, I believe that most people proceed in life wanting to do the right thing. I always try to keep that in mind when facing opposition, reluctance and outright reticence during the change process. Change is hard, challenging, full to the brim with controversy. But when done right, it can be inspiring, transformational and utterly compelling.

"If nothing ever changes, there'd be no butterflies." ~author unknown

April 27, 2010 - 192.4 pounds, 28.8% body fat