“There is a vast difference between conceding that change is inevitable and believing change is essential.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book, Leadershift (p. 91). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

So, what is your attitude toward change?

John says, “The person who concedes that change is inevitable becomes resigned to it and is reactive, thinking, Change is going to happen, so what can I do? The individual who believes change is essential is proactive and thinks, I will make change happen so that our team can improve. If growth is expected, then change is essential. We cannot grow without changing. The very fact that I do something better today means that I learned and improved something yesterday.

“There are a lot of things I freely give to everyone in my organizations: vision, belief, resources, support, and leadership. One thing that must always be earned is my time. That is the most limited of my personal resources, so it must be earned before I give it. How does someone do that? By being a productive member on the team. In this, I practice the 80-20 principle. I give 80 percent of my time to the 20 percent of the team that produces 80 percent of the results.

“Earlier in my career, I spent a lot of time with unproductive people, thinking I could change them. I was so naïve… At first, I just wanted to win everyone over. Later, I started to think about people’s potential, and I would ask: Will they do it? Can they do it? Is it worth the effort to ask them?

“Today I’m very pragmatic, and I don’t ask those questions, because they are too subjective and rely too much on speculation. Now I ask myself just one question: Are they productive?

John goes on, “I place this same standard on myself. Just because I enjoy a friendship with someone doesn’t mean I get a pass on productivity. For example, for several years Tom and Todd Mullins included me on the teaching team of Christ Fellowship Church. Tom is founding pastor and Todd, his son, is the lead pastor. Both are good friends, and I have loved every minute of my time teaching. However, every year I ask them this question: ‘Do you want me on the team again this year, or do you want to make a change?’ They know I am always ready to step down for the sake of the team. If I can’t be productive for them, it’s time for me to go.

John says, “If you work for someone, value that person’s time and be aware that you need to earn it. If others work for you, give your own time only to those who are productive and who are willing to learn, grow, and keep earning it.”

And we now see don’t we, that a big part of our value is how we view change and our desire to be productive and grow?

Yes, yes!