How do you execute needed change most effectively?
I’m embarking on the Aces Retreat this weekend. We’ve had some form of retreat every year since 2008 (except for 2020) and have been going to the current location every year since 2018.
The challenge is always to balance traditions – things we ALWAYS do – with keeping it fresh and innovative. The truth is that sometimes traditions outlive their usefulness, but institutional memory has a way of keeping things around even then.
I think it’s best to think longterm and make incremental changes. That way, you’re not upsetting or disappointing the members with the longest memories, but you are also implementing a vision for the future. You need to balance fresh & traditional.
This year, I’m not making any huge changes to my retreat, but I’m paying close attention to the things that don’t feel like they best serve the group.
Without a vision and close attention, you won’t make any changes long term. But without patience, you won’t make changes that stick and don’t inspire anger or disappointment.