[My Wednesday blogpost series is connected to my 2020 4Q program in which I share my personal responses to the questions raised in the worksheets.] 

Change happens at four different levels. Beginning with knowledge which is the easiest, you increase in difficulty as you move through the levels of attitude, then behavior, and finally group change. 

One’s knowledge is the easiest thing to change since all you need to do is introduce new information that one will consider and adapt to accordingly. You bring in an expert on the topic who introduces new knowledge; people commit to change based on the facts.

The second level of change is attitude. Since attitude is full of emotionally charged bits of knowledge about which you feel either positive or negative, it’s a little harder. You might confront someone with new knowledge that they cannot refute, but they might come back at you with, “but I don’t want to change.” It’s one thing to change one’s knowledge level, it’s quite another to change their attitude.

The third level is that of behavior. This is much harder than the first two levels as habits are hard to break. Consistently applying a new change until it sticks takes time, intentionality, and concerted energy.

The fourth and last level is group change. This is where serving leaders focus on getting everyone in the organization on the same page and headed in the same direction. Obviously, this level is the hardest as it means getting everyone to embrace new knowledge, adjust attitudes, and change behavior while moving forward together in alignment with the organizational vision, values, and mission.

Regarding the four levels of change, describe a change you’ve experienced at each level and its associated challenges. 

KNOWLEDGE

My concept of leadership changed as I was introduced to new material on the servant model of Jesus. Rather than maintaining a top-down approach, I began to listen to and empower leaders, flipping the traditional pyramid when it came to implementation. The biggest challenge was time as it took me years to conform both my thinking and behaviors to serving leadership. 

ATTITUDE

Changing my attitude toward those I disagreed with over the years has been a challenge. As one with strong convictions and opinions I have been learning to agree to disagree agreeably, realizing that without a positive attitude, those with whom I have a disagreement will not consider anything I have to say.

BEHAVIORAL

One behavior change that I have worked on in recent years is not always sharing what is on my mind. As one who enjoys talking (and perhaps hearing the sound of my voice too much!), I have attempted to hold back more within groups and allow others to talk while I work on my listening skills.  

GROUP/ORGANIZATIONAL

A group/organizational change that I am currently working on within the Reverb Network—the non-profit I direct—has to do with funding leadership development programs. My goal is to see each country we work in develop a team that takes ownership of funding all its own leadership development initiatives. 

Now it’s your turn. What are some changes you’ve experienced at each level and their associated challenges? Go ahead, write something down…you are a serving leader!