Do you want to know the fastest way to encourage change?

I have practiced this one for years, and it almost always triggers change. It has worked in business, government and church. It worked in church planting and in church revitalization.

It is cost-effective too.

The quickest way to spur organizational change:

Expose leaders to new ideas.

In a team environment, where people are empowered to lead, new ideas produce change.

Often faster than any other way.

That's why I encourage attending conferences when possible. I pass along blogs, podcasts and articles I read. We have often read books together as a staff.

Keep in mind, this works as long as people are allowed to dream—and the leader doesn't have to control everything. When people are introduced to new ideas, it produces energy and momentum. As team members attempt something new, change happens. Often quickly.

It doesn't have to be monumental change to create excitement. Tweaks, slight improvements and small adjustments can create an atmosphere and an appetite for change on a team.

And the best part: There is always less resistance to major change when change is a part of the culture.

One way we practiced this was in the most recent church where I served as pastor. We often used training budget to take our entire ministerial staff and spouses to another city and church several times larger than our church. They had usually figured out some things we were still learning. We toured the church and then each staff member met with their counterpart staff member at the other church. We would ask questions and explore their story. It was always insightful.

I never knew how it would work or what ideas we would uncover, but I was sure of one thing. It would expose us to some new ideas. We would come home with some immediate changes to consider. Plus, our team bonded and there was a new energy and momentum developed.

And that's a win for me.

Do you want to encourage to encourage change quickly? Expose your team to some new ideas.

Ron Edmondson is the CEO of Leadership Network. Previously, he was a pastor, revitalizing two churches and planting two churches. He is passionate about planting churches, but also helping established churches thrive. He loves assisting pastors and those in ministry think through leadership, strategy and life. His specialty is organizational leadership.

For the original article, visit ronedmondson.com.

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