Agents of Change, is a popular slogan for candidates for office, for a new CEO of a business, for nearly anyone who wishes to bring a fresh and creative plan to the frame of reference (context) he or she is addressing. We often fail in the experiment for change for various reasons. We are imperfect so we bring imperfection to the organization. We do not know enough to make many ideas work. The attitudes of our inherited colleagues, pleased with some security they had gained, or process they have gotten used to, resist change. Society moves on at a moderate pace, so change ought to be in smaller increments than many change-makers would have them, although change has speeded up in recent years. Personalities clash, diverting attention from the main issues. Competencies moderate. The problem is knotty for various personnel. The changers may find some support by berating the status quo, which may relate to a needed change fifty years earlier, but may still find the best traction, if it only had insightful management. On occasion the problem may be so simple that it doesn’t seem to belong in the analysis. Vested interests often muddy any projections. Various oddities affect some of the mystery. A president of the country may seem to fail because he doesn’t win a second term. His policies receive fierce attack as others seek change, perhaps change back to what preceded. If he wins a second term, the story changes, and his success is accented. But the fact that he can’t win a third term emboldens the opposition to weaken his next proposals, and gain position for the next election. A critic cast it: no president can end his office with the popularity in which he entered. I would add: Unless he is shot. Opposition will not let up. The public moved by daily vapors flexes, depending on the economic temperature, or current preoccupation, for success or failure. Timing may govern, even for years. Lincoln was elected to the presidency in 1860, and had to sneak into Washington to take over. He barely won against McClellan in 1864, but thought he might have lost until the morning after the polls closed. He and Washington are now touted as our best Presidents. The story here can be embellished in indicated directions. Lincoln is now held as a sacred president, and Washington the father of the country. History’s story shows the wisdom of Washington, and the empathy of Lincoln. The nation was best served with the Union saved and slavery ended.
These and other patterns for life and leaders/followers apply to all institutions in America, including a business, a church, a college, a hospital. Messy when matters are controversial, democracy may not do what ought to be done in any institution, even personal life. We have controversies with ourselves, within our families. Rather than deal with the issues step by step in a spirit of good will and compromise, on an adequate time allotted basis, we resort to unsatisfactory conclusions – perhaps, drop-out, exotic escapism anger/abuse, or divorce/anger. The worst may be murder/suicide, so to avoid a presumptive future. However, even with care all negatives will not be eradicated. There are numerous factors confounding the treatment of problems. We reserve for another Page various specific issues, including extensive boredom and rigidity, leading to poor judgments, as cause for large and small problems. Prayer would help.
An institution engages an officer, or creates a program, or makes a change for wages or work conditions. Wise persons know that the shift or change will be resisted. Not only are some good persons against it simply because it is change, but there may be fault in it – perhaps elusive. What should be done? An officer inaugurated in festivity ought to know that this beginning is the high point in his/her appointment. Awareness of the prospective problems may appear in his/her contract, in the number of years guaranteed, and the like. If wise, the officer knows that there are opponents, that variety opinions be considered, that communicate/listen is vital, that perhaps, like Lincoln, the leader prays for truth and right. Humility and patience may find a way. Jeremiah was not against change, but he wanted any change to protect that which was beneficial, perhaps enhanced in any change. The matter should be given time and preparation which might become compelling to support groupings, perhaps acceptable to doubtful ones. Therein one finds leadership, careful planning, clear needs, adequate resources, respect for that which has gone before, and conviction by an adequate number of persons that this is problem solving. Leaders may find the best leadership in finding ways to adopt ideas from counselors, formal and informal. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020