Today I was reminded that God is in the business of transformation. Our church hosted a choir from Teen Challenge, a faith-based, not-for-profit organization that helps men and women overcome their addictions to drugs and alcohol. The testimonies of the men who sang and shared were amazing reminders that with God’s help it is possible to transform a life that seems lost and hopeless into a new being, a person committed to living differently.
You might be wondering what this story has to do with leadership. I’m certainly not suggesting that today’s leaders are drug addicts or alcoholics, although some might struggle with these and other compulsions. Instead I’m wondering what role transformation might play in organizational life and how leaders could be a catalyst to encourage and manage this process?
The dictionary describes transformation as “an act, process, or instance of being transformed.” Transform is defined as “to change in composition or structure; to change in character or condition.” In other words, transformation involves real and sustained change. Organizations of all sizes talk a lot about change yet few seem to actually make much progress. Leaders may include references to change in their personal goals and enterprise strategic plans but these too seem more like “lip service” than reality.
So what is the missing ingredient? How can leaders implement and encourage real change? Perhaps my earlier reference to God as an agent of transformation deserves some consideration. Before you dismiss this idea completely, imagine a world where no spiritual guidance or belief system exists. Each person acts autonomously without a moral compass or code of ethics. While this might appeal to some persons, I believe the vast majority of people in our world recognize that a higher power is at work. Many would also concur that we are connected with each other and our planet in ways that remain a mystery, but nonetheless real.
A leader who acknowledges the importance of this spiritual connection and treats employees, vendors, and customers as sacred beings has the power to transform his or her organization. Not in a coercive or fear-based way but through servant leadership and a deep love for those they work with. A transformational leader seeks to empower others by inviting their participation in an inspiring vision of what the enterprise might become. Character and integrity take precedent over ego and power. To transform others, one must be transformed first.
While the Teen Challenge choir members boldly proclaimed past mistakes and ill-fated choices, they also acknowledged the One who helped them to make their amazing transformation. God and faith aren’t relegated to a Sunday morning worship experience or a private encounter in these men’s lives. Who would inspire your confidence and trust as a leader? Someone who boldly proclaims their Christian faith and lives their life with purpose and conviction or someone without a moral and ethical compass?
Perhaps one of the reasons organizations fail to transform structure, processes, and behavior is because leaders haven’t experienced their own personal transformation. It takes courage to claim a set of beliefs and to live as though these values really do matter. The world’s revered leaders have always understood this basic ingredient for lasting transformation. It took a choir of formerly addicted men to remind me about this simple truth. Now the real work begins in my own life and efforts at leadership. Will you join me?
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