Management-by-bestseller is a common practice these days. The newest books often captivate senior leaders and they are consumed by all of the new words, phrases, and concepts. The difficulty is that these new books rarely make a difference over time.
When I help people and organizations plan for the future, I work hard to not let them get caught up in the tidal wave of new stuff. Instead, I ask an important and unique question: What should not change as we plan for the future?
I have learned through the years that stewardship is just as important as growth. While growth may be exciting and new, it is stewardship that gives the organization the foundation upon which it can build.
As the late Stephen R. Covey wrote: “There’s no way we can escape accountability. We make a difference - one way or the other. We are responsible for the impact of our lives. Whatever we do with whatever we have, we leave behind us a legacy for those who follow. And we can exercise our unique human endowments and choose the kind of stewards we want to be.”
When we clarify what should not change, we can maintain crucial people and systems which can act like a stabilizing force within the organization. It also can help us not forget what we have learned in the past so we do not re-invent the wheel.
This week, sit down and map our what should not change as you seek new levels of growth and organizational change. Being a steward is a powerful choice.
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