John Stanko

"Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" - Ezekiel 36:26.

God is in the change business, so to speak. He initiates changes in culture and history on a macro scale, but then He is also in the business of changing hearts, one person at a time. This means that people can change, learning new things that will alter their thinking and then their behavior. Leaders must have faith people can change with God's help, and that's why leaders conduct performance reviews, send people to counseling and workshops, and assign them mentors and coaches. Of course, leaders should model this first, showing their followers they're willing to change right along with them.

LEADERSHIP STEP: What is your attitude toward change? Do you think it's possible for people, including you, to change? If you do, then let's map out a plan today for change. Today you'll have a difficult conversation with someone in your world who needs to alter their attitude or action. First, you must confront them, but then help them by mapping out a plan that will enable the change to take place. Then follow the same procedure for yourself.