Recently I went through some of my older journal post and see what I have written about myself and experience. I like going through some of my older journal, simple because it tells me where i have been and allows me to see Gods hand in my life. Here is one from earlier this year.

In this season of my life, I’ve never been more motivated to improve. To improve my relationship with God, attitude, role as husband, a father to be, leader and servant. To improve my quality of life, health and gifts. The desire and willingness to improve in life has increased immensely since moving back to Malaysia 4 years ago. I have had the privilege to rub shoulders with some great leaders in Hawaii and some very wise men that has imparted and invested a lot in my life. I owe it to them for who I am today, and to God, for who I will be tomorrow. I think I am trying to live out one of my Core Values…God is worthy of my very best, therefore a spirit of excellence should permeate everything that I do (and everything I am!).

As leaders, our goal is to ultimately please God first, not people. Many of us get trapped by being people pleaser, limiting our forward movement and progress. Some leaders fear change for fear of complaints and unsatisfied people. A willingness to improve will always require change. I’m so glad I’ve upgraded my computer along the way from 10 years ago. If I were unwilling to change or satisfied with what I had, my productivity would be greatly hindered.

See if some of my thoughts below can benefit you to adjust your attitudes and convictions towards helping people through change.

* Believe in people to make necessary changes. Be positive communicating the “why’s” and potential fruitfulness.

* Believe in the “whys” of your direction to change. Especially when the change is direction from your leadership. Be sure to own the heart and the conviction of your leadership during change. This is a must…very critical! Under shepherds or leaders (middle management) can spoil the hearts of others if their hearts aren’t right! I can’t over emphasize this one!! * Be willing to listen to others along the way. Don’t be stubborn about listening to resistance. Others resistance may contribute elements that could sharpen the pathway to change. In other words, be OPEN to CHANGE too.

* Decide not to compromise your convictions to make others happy. Maintaining healthy relationships is essential but not at the expense of compromising your conviction to lead others through change.

* Be consistent to evaluate everything and everyone involved to progress towards God’s very best.

* Upgrade towards improving people, productivity and programs.

* Make it your desire to make God happy by leading people through change that will produce

* Help people to understand the purpose behind the change. They may not always agree but the communication will build healthy relationships.

* I must be willing myself, to step aside for other ideas, people to lead through change - as it is appropriate. Sometimes leaders aren’t willing to lay their lives (ways, thoughts, plans) down to make room for a better plan, idea or direction. That attitude may have a little to do with PRIDE.

Lord…help me to hear Your voice to lead others to grow in their relationship with You, through change. Help me to always be willing to improve through change. Change me O’ Lord!

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