Lessons From A Broken Door

I do most of my writing at a Starbucks by my son’s school.  And for the last couple of weeks I’ve noticed an incredible phenomenon.  People continue to use a broken door even though there is a sign that says: Please Use Other Door.

Courtesy of Mark Turnauckas/Creative Commons License

At first it puzzled me why people continued to push at the broken door and then I realized it’s because the door demands CHANGE.  We all crave change, we know with change will come growth and movement.  To create change when change is hard you need to:

EMBRACE PATIENCE

It takes time for change to take place.  In the case of the broken door it takes most people a few moments to realize they have to change strategies, but in ministry it can take years.

During a season of change embrace patience by growing in your relationship with God. Trust His plan and know that He will prevail.

CREATE CLARITY

Even though there is a sign on the broken door it’s not the clearest of signs.  Sometimes change is difficult because the alternative is not clear.

Constant and crisp communication is clear.  Make sure people know what it is you want them to do and how to do it.  When their is clarity there is unity.

RALLY THE CROWD

People are most successful with the broken door when they see others walk out the good one.  Change is hard when you are on your own.  It can be isolating, confusing and even demoralizing.

Create positive change by finding people who are on board and willing to work together.  Not only will you feel support but you’ll build momentum.  When you have momentum more people will join in because people want to be a part of a winning team.

Change is hard because it asks people to do something outside of their comfort zone.  It can feel inconvenient for people and they will resist.  Remember it takes time, but in the end it will be worth it.