I am often asked about how to be an influence in an organization, group or society. Let's begin with the obvious. Being a change agent is not easy. Read and reflect on these wise sayings:
1. I want progress, but I hate change.
2. I want change but I can't stand it when someone tries to change ME!
3. Nobody wants to be changed but a wet baby.
4. The more we push others to change the more they resist.
5. (Add your old saying here!)
A fellow overseas wrote recently about getting involved in politics and asked about my opinion. This is how I answered him.
My thoughts on being a change agent as a minority.
1.
To influence a system positively, we must be a part of the
system.
2.
To be a part of the system we must get involved before we have
any influence.
3.
Influence takes time and great trusting relationships.
4.
We cannot get too deeply involved or the system will change us
we will not change the system.
5.
We usually begin to influence the system by showing those
friendly toward us the positive benefits of our ideas for them and other
people.
6.
This requires patience and prayer and offering ideas at the
right time in the right way.
7.
Changes usually begin very small.
My book, Hope and Change for Humpty Dumpty has a list of the Six
Stages of Change every person who wants to influence a system must go through
to succeed.
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