The Keys to Being a Game Changer
When I think of “Game Changers” I always think of Michael Jordan. It comes from two things: First, when there was only time for one shot that had to be made, his teammates knew to get the ball to Michael. And second, in that same situation, Michael WANTED the ball. He had the confidence to make the shot. MIchael was unique because even in the middle of a game, he could shift the momentum simply by his attitude, his skill, and his leadership.
The question is: Who’s the game changer in your organization?
I love the quote: “For things to change, somebody somewhere has to start acting differently.” “Acting differently” starts with action. Stepping out and taking a risk.
I’ve recently re-focused my life with a bias toward “action.” It’s fine to discuss new ideas – and I love doing that – but the difference between a bureaucrat and an entrepreneur is that one is eventually willing to think differently and take a risk. Here’s some thoughts on how to become a game changer in your organization:
1. Understand what DOESN’T change. Until you know what doesn’t change, you’ll never be confident of what SHOULD change. Your principles, values, Truth – in other words, what matters. Figure that out first.
2. Do creative work first – and reactive work second. Most people fritter away their days doing “reactive” work – answering emails, letting people interrupt your day, responding to phone calls. But if you’re spending your day doing reactive work, you’re spending your day working on other people’s priorities.
3. Lose the distractions. Some research indicates that when you’re interrupted, it takes 30 or more minutes to get back to that same level of focus. How many of those can you stand before your day is shot? Shut the door and get to work.
4. Keep growing – even when it’s uncomfortable. Never stop learning, because change only happens with new information.
Be a game changer. In a world of unrelenting change, it’s the only place to be…
Photo by JC Gellidon on Unsplash
I have worked on staff at both large and small churches and many of the challenges are the same when it comes to “true creative change” within the organization. Many people that get on staff at a church like to find their niche and then once they establish it, do everything they can to protect what they established. They resemble the bureaucrat much more then the entrepreneur, giving lip service to change but ultimately just work to protect the status quo.
I’m not saying this to bash church workers. I know they are just human beings doing their best to work in ministry but I do want to affirm the message of this article. I hope this article encourages some of those that have been playing it safe to become true game changers.
Good stuff Phil!
nicer article…and how nice of u to make mj as an example…i always believe he was more than a basketball player thats why until now,he is so much admired aound the wprld as a standard of execellnce and development. mj is one of my heroes aside from my parents…i am trying to apply changes into my profession and lifestyle as well.
this really hepls,thanks!!..
I try to remind myself that in the Bible, it’s called The Book of ACTS (or The Acts of the Apostles), not The Book of Good IDEAS. The Apostles certainly had a bias toward action.