It is easy to allow our thinking to get stuck in a rut and overtake our positive, forward-moving progress. Individuals and organizations often fall into this trap without knowing – until it becomes detrimental. Have you ever walked into an organization (church, business, factory line, or office) and very quickly realized this organization was stuck in an organizational rut?
In the religious realm there is a saying that the last seven words of a dying church is, “We’ve never done it that way before.” Or the flip side, “But we’ve always done it this way.” Organizations unwilling to admit change is needed, will likely never see forward progress.
Whether an individual or an organization, occasionally our thought processes need to be challenged to assist us in making future forward moving progress. Otherwise, our rut becomes a ditch. A ditch is a rut with the ends knocked out, it goes on and on.
How do you change directional thought processes? It is not always easy, but a great example can be found in a passionate preschool teacher/leader. As I’ve watched over the years, those passionate for working with preschoolers follow a pattern in assisting a child in correcting inadequate behavior. First, that teacher will kneel down on that child’s level in front of the child, not in a threatening or foreboding manner. Rather in a loving, gentle one.
Next, she will address the child’s poor behavior, calmly using words and terms within the child’s comprehension. Then she will ask a question, similar to, “Do you know why Marci cried when you did that?” Notice the question asked was not, “How would you like it if…” There may be a time and place for a question as the second one, but not yet. Often times, the experienced, passionate teacher will never have to ask that question, because the questions used help the child come to the conclusion he/she would not want that to happen to himself.
The questions asked remain focused on the outcome of the incident, not on the child. This allows and even guides the child, at his own level of comprehension, to better possibilities of outcomes. His directional thought processes have been changed. Those outcomes will lead to a changed behavior. Admittedly, with preschoolers (and adults), sometimes it may take more than one occurrence to change a behavior pattern. Yet, with each occurrence of changing directional thought processes, the child is learning.
Does it work with adults? Yes, at times, individuals and organizations (made up of individuals) need a change of directional thought processes, and a similar process will guide them to a right and better path. A path of forward moving progress, enhancing the life of individuals and the organization.
As in any leadership situation, asking the right questions is crucial to the outcome. Unfortunately, we are asking the wrong questions and as long as we ask the wrong questions, we will never come the right/best conclusion. For more on asking the right questions contact George Yates or pick up a copy of Coaching, A Way of Leadership, A Way of Life. You will be glad you did. It will alter your directional thought processes.
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.