Merging: Journeying Together  

The model on the left  is a well known picture of organizational formation. I found its insight to hold true while I joined two congregations, which took about six years before it felt like we were "performing." 

During those six years, my leadership was tested in so many familiar and unfamiliar ways. 

The one thing I know for sure - I could not wait for "right" or "perfect" to move forward. Instead moving forward was done "three feet at a time." In other words, I often understood what was just a little bit in front of us and had to trust that when I had gone those "three feet," the next "three feet" would come into focus. In today's climate, we have little certainty and many of the ways we've done business no longer serve us. 

As leaders, this requires agility plus risk. In some ways leadership has always required agility and risk - but today, it feels different. Maybe there is more at stake in today's climate. Maybe it's because the more we lead, the more of ourselves we invest. The more we invest, the more important it is to know our  values, professionally and personally, and lead from that deeper place within. 

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Are you looking for a coach as you lead your organization through change or as you navigate your own professional or personal change? Or would you like me to work with your team as you navigate change together? 

If you are a church leader considering merging with another, take a look at this resource that informed our journey. If you want a conversation partner... 
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