Change is Opportunity

"They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom."

Here's the thing about Confucius--his words are easier to quote than they are to live. Same for Gandhi, "Be the change you want to see in the world," and sage Anonymous, "Sometimes you have to go to grow." Oh, to have a nickle for every time I have cheerily spoken those words.

What I have found oddly difficult, however, is appreciating when the wisdom of the ages actually applies to me. For example, there are a couple of times in my career when I wish I had enacted earlier the words of business guru, Jack Welch, "Change before you have to." Can I get an "Amen," from former Wake County Public School colleagues?

It is true. Leaders are leaders because they see things differently. Leaders see that which has yet to be and enlist followers to improve upon the present through a shared vision. Leaders have a concurrent responsibility to support people in identifying the path they are asked to beat as they walk it. It all begins, however, with the leader.

So if we are minimally leaders of our own lives, does it not stand to reason that we must deliberately seek personal change that leads to improved outcomes for ourselves and those we love? Are we not called upon to set ourselves up for success by attaining experiences and competencies to maximize the likelihood of achieving our dreams? I believe the answer to both questions is "yes." 

I would be sharing these thoughts with you in any case, but now it is even more important. You see, my wife, Deborah, and I soon will be leaving the community we have called "home" for seven years. Here we have met many wonderful and talented people, including perhaps you. The idea is that our friends and colleague will go with us. If they are willing, we hope part of us stays with them.

Effective in mid-August, I will become Associate Professor of Education at Gardner-Webb University, with primary teaching responsibilities at the home campus in Boiling Springs, a bit less than an hour's drive west of Charlotte. In some ways, I have prepared my whole life for this position. My best practical education, however, has been achieved since coming to the NC Research Triangle Park area. I am grateful to all of you for your tutelage, intended and unintended.

There will be time for good-byes later. There will be additional thank-yous to people who have helped me along the way. There will be information for my beloved students in the GWU masters degree cohort whom I'm leaving shy of graduation. There will be explanations for how Future-Ready Leaders Now©, LLC meets its current contracts and actually expands its leadership products and services. As it turns out, the company was created to outlive its founder.

For now, I'll let High Point University President and serial entrepreneur, Nido Qubein, have the final word: "Change is opportunity."  My hope for all my readers is that they both see and act on Nido's wisdom.