Minding the Gap...Wanting & Willing

Wanting & willing to…

Something I have been thinking a lot about recently is the difference between wanting something and being willing to do what it takes to get that thing.  Here’s a concrete example: recently, I injured my wrist.  It hurts. I want it to feel better, but am I willing to do what it takes (rest, ice, physical therapy, etc.) to allow it to actually heal?

Like my wrist, many of us have a pain point in our organizations that we want to feel better.  And the challenge before us is, do we know what it takes, and are we willing to do what is necessary to feel better?  This is a challenge we come across all the time in change projects or individuals wanting to grow their leadership capacity.  We have a desired outcome, but we either aren’t clear on the steps we need to take, or we don’t know how to make space to build those steps into our daily work.

Like Edwards Demming said, “Every organization is perfectly designed to get the results it is currently getting.”  If we want different results than what we are getting today, we have to be willing to make changes in order to get there.  This is easier said than done!   What do you do if you are in this loop?

First:

Are you clear about what you want to be different?  What do you want?  This can be the hardest part of the issue.  We know that something needs to change, and yet we have a hard time knowing or articulating what it is.  Clarity at this phase is important as it designates what comes next.

Second:

If what we want is clear, then what concrete actions can you take to change?  What could you do differently to get to what you want?  Focus on things that are within your sphere of control or influence.  Perhaps even brainstorm with a friend or colleague.

Lastly:

Once you have made that list, what is one thing you will do in the next two weeks to be the first step toward change?  Then, find someone who can walk alongside you on your change effort to support, encourage, or hold you accountable for that change.

Hopefully these steps help you on the path towards the change you want!

(P.s. If you find yourself getting stuck, then perhaps the change process is more complex, and you need to consider the change formula to help you in your change journey.)