What Glenn Writes

As a business consultant and trainer, I find myself working with others as the author of change in many organizations.  I may work with one individual, or a group, together working under the guise of process improvement, systems integration, or basic job training, but the end result is leading others in self-improvement or in doing their job better.  Ultimately, this equates to them fulfilling their purpose or role with the company, makes them more valuable to the company, and improves their paycheck. 

There are often challenges with people who have difficulty in recognizing the value in change or improvement.  Sometimes management has a problem allowing employees to change or improve, and sometimes it is the employee.

As a consultant, I am able to provide a fresh perspective and, hopefully, provide an alternative to the customary management approach.  The very nature of introducing the change may be enough to uproot the old, hardened methods.

This almost reads like a brochure, doesn’t it?  The real crock comes in when realizing I can do this with a variety of companies across the US, in Canada, and even South Africa, but why can’t I do this with my own family?  Is it because I am the very management who painted my employee (or children) into a corner? 

Some companies do not need my services as they can recognize the problems and provide a fresh perspective to their employees.  In the same way, some parents encounter little resistance from their children… they provide a fresh perspective and their children thrive in the nurturing environment. 

Queue background music:

To dream the impossible dream,
To fight the unbeatable foe,
To bear with unbearable sorrow,
To run where the brave dare not go…

Isn’t it funny how we embrace sound principle in our work lives, yet abandon these proven techniques in our home?  Perhaps our rejection bleeds beyond the walls of our house and impacts many of our social relationships.  Sometimes what we struggle with at work is consistent throughout our lives. 

Of course, I’m not talking about firing your children, spouse, or friends when they do not do what is expected.  I would not want you to file a grievance with the Children’s Union or give your wife or husband a disciplinary lay-off.  What I’m talking about is creating an environment where employees (or, in this analogy: spouse, children, friends) are able to thrive and succeed without us holding them down. 

Do we allow others to change?

With my customers, the companies enjoying growth in spite of this current economy are the very companies who give their employees every reason to succeed.  As long as they do what is expected of them, the employees have the freedom to grow, improve themselves, and thrive on behalf of the company – and why not?  If the employees thrive within their positions and are successful, their success is reflected throughout the company.  The philosophy is simple: give the employees everything they need to succeed and the company will enjoy the same success.

Can we dare to do this in other areas of our lives?

Luke records an experience with Jesus when He was invited to a Pharisee’s house for dinner.  A woman, most likely a former prostitute or one with a reputation for sin, came into the house of the Pharisee and fell at Jesus’ feet.  The Pharisees questioned and remarked at how Jesus allowed this woman in His presence.  Funny how the Pharisee allowed the woman in his house, but then questioned why Jesus would allow her near Him.  We find Jesus’ response in Luke 7:44-47.

Then he turned toward the woman and said to them, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them…  You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet…  Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven– for she loved much…”

The Pharisees looked at the woman with distain and only saw a sinner or a prostitute.  They wanted to keep her there, locked up in that position in society.  Jesus saw everything the woman could ever be if only allowed to escape the box she painted around herself.  Jesus loved this woman as no one else dared to love her, and as an expression of His love, He wanted her to be free. 

Can we do the same with the people we love?  As an expression of our love for them, can we allow them to change, let them out of their boxes, let them grow, improve themselves, and thrive?  Can we even go to the next step and encourage them? 

I have to believe when Jesus forgave her sins, allowed her beyond the walls of the box into which she was painted, He also released her from the burdens she carried… the original burdens leading into that sinful lifestyle.  His forgiveness gave her freedom to change, to thrive, and to grow. 

When we refuse to allow a significant person in our life to change, we lock them into something they are not instead of allowing them to be what they are…

I am struggling with this concept in my life right now.  I am not writing this as if I have it all figured out.  I have just realized I need to forgive someone for having the audacity to change… and not only forgive them for changing, but encourage them and give them everything they need to succeed. 

Are you struggling with this concept in any area of your life? 

Glenn Sasscer

www.glennsasscer.com
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