John Stanko

". . . who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind" - Psalm 15:4.

Leaders often lead change initiatives, which may involve adjustments in marketing, strategy, services, products, or personnel. One thing leaders cannot and should not change is their commitments to excellence or values. In the midst of change, honesty along with promises and commitments to customers and employees must be honored or else leaders forfeit one of their most precious and important leadership commodities, which is integrity. Today's verse stresses how important keeping one's word is to the Lord and one's relationship with Him.

LEADERSHIP STEP: As your organization navigates the seas of change, today you should consider the things you will never change, which are your commitments and values. How well do you keep your word? Do you say "I'll get back to you" and then don't? Take 15 minutes and reflect on your personal and corporate integrity, and see if there is any room for improving your follow through on commitments and vows.

"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.

"He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!' Then he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true'" - Revelation 21:5.

Change and progress are God's ideas. Man can distort or resist the purpose of the change for selfish reasons, but nevertheless, change is a positive and God-inspired thing. Leaders are usually the ones who lead change initiatives, first providing a vivid picture or vision of the new reality and the reasons for pursuing it. Then they help equip people to be successful in the changes, keeping in mind how difficult change can be for those involved. Leaders who have a godly perspective on change can count on His help in the process so the change is carried out in the best way possible.

LEADERSHIP STEP: Perhaps it's time to consider a change initiative in your family or organization. Are you prepared to lead that change? Before you do, make sure you are clear about what kind of change you want. Take some time today to write or sketch out the change. What will it look like when it's done? Be specific so then you can graphically explain the end you have in mind with those who will be impacted and affected. Then it will also be easier to develop a plan to achieve the change, managing the process along the way.