Please select a thread to view..
Article No. 1101: [Branch from no. 1097] posted by Leslie Bumgardner on Fri, Apr. 30, 1999, 12:04
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
Gary,
Your comment is great! My youngest is just finishing up potty training so I can relate. You do raise an important question. As leaders, how can we provide a climate that makes change something to look forward to and not something to dread? Maybe part of the answer is my own reaction to change. Do I model for others that change can be creative and stimulating? Or do others see me resisting and dreading change?
Leslie
Article No. 1114: [Branch from no. 1101] posted by Gary Longfellow on Mon, May 3, 1999, 05:01
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
Leslie,
Your are right. I have to ask myself how often to I deal with change in such a way that role models a positive view? As christians we are supposed to view change as central to our ministry in the lives of others (lives changed due to Christ) and in our own lives (sanctification) as well. Yet how many christians get bogged down in the issues of personal or corporate change? I have seen churches split over change (those who want and those who don't).
Perhaps the most threatening change for some are new images of God. Yet C. S. Lewis said that our images of God are not holy. They are imperfect and incomplete. It is in fact the breaking (change) of those images that is the greatest evidence of CHrist in our lives.
Gary
Article No. 1124: [Branch from no. 1101] posted by W Tom Wiseman on Mon, May 3, 1999, 13:49
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
Leslie..your words are very thought provoking!!! You have caused me to truly reflect on my attitude to change in the work place.. Well.. the truth is it is not the organization that tends to get off track from time to time.. as a matter of fact the guilty party is no other than this person. to tell you the truth that is exactly what Parker Palmer believes...We need to look within us.... rather than... blame the system or organization.. hmmm.. have to plead guilty!!
Tom
Article No. 1211: [Branch from no. 1101] posted by Dan Kittle on Tue, May 18, 1999, 22:10
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
Leslie,
Maybe it is because we do not have a vision that change can bring freedom (from diapers). Or we lack the close mentor that coaches us through the wet pant days. Or maybe we just like the irritation of where we are at. Hmmm.
Dan
Article No. 1243: [Branch from no. 1101] posted by Joseph Follette on Mon, May 24, 1999, 09:17
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
Leslie,
I think Gary had the idea when he talked about connecting to your followers. Maybe this connection is what is needed to provide the comfort one needs to accept change.
Article No. 1119: [Branch from no. 1119] posted by W Tom Wiseman on Mon, May 3, 1999, 10:27
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
Gary
You stated, "There is a saying that the only one who likes change is a baby in a wet diaper. So, how do we make the transition from a mind that just adjusts, to one that actively looks forward to and seeks change."
My opinion: I can only speak from my experience and emotional make up, but the only time I can remember actively looking forward to change is on those occasions when I am dissatisfied with the present and desiring something better. I don't see myself ever becoming a crusader for change. We have both watched, "the latest and greatest" innovations in education come and go over the years. Most of the champions of change ( for the sake of change) are looking for $ or reputation. In my work, I am willing to take the second boat after watching to see of those on the first boat made the trip safely. It is like waiting a year until Windows 98 has the bugs worked out prior to loading it up. You don't get the glory of being one of the first on board, but neither do you swear at the computer when it stops functioning properly. This approach has helped me balance work related stress and in my opinion, that is more important than being an active change agent. For what it is worth.
Garry S
Article No. 1123: [Branch from no. 1119] posted by Ginna Wenger on Mon, May 3, 1999, 11:00
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
So here's a question for you. We all seem to agree on the importance of lifelong learning and learning for the sake of learning without the need for traditional measures like credit. So who among us wishes to have this wonderful learning experience in the Leadership program but is willing to give up the tradition of earning that PhD at the end of the process? How many of us would be this highly motivated to work this hard at lifelong learning without the reward of an advanced degree? Just wondering if some traditions of education are worth keeping and how we decide to throw out.
Article No. 1147: [Branch from no. 1119] posted by Alison Brown on Wed, May 5, 1999, 22:31
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
AND - the other group anxious for change, are those with dirty underwear..
Article No. 1199: [Branch from no. 1119] posted by Garry Longfellow on Mon, May 17, 1999, 22:40
Subject: re: Learning Organizations
Garry
If chaos theory means anything then change will happen if we like it or not. How can we like it? That is most likely an issue of personality. There was a time when I resisted any uncomfortable change. Most recently I have tried to focus on the positive potential of change. There is something powerful and exciting about new ideas, paradigm shifts, and new creations. For me they provide the energy to move on to new steps. Yes, much of the creative process is not useful (Is that always bad?). Bugs have to be worked out, and solutions found. Yet look at the potential. Can an administrators survive by controlling