Our Blog from Simon Solutions

People are usually DOWN on things that they aren’t UP on.

This is especially true in presenting new ideas to people.  Many people are not comfortable outside their “comfort zone”.  They tend to baulk at making decisions about things outside their area of expertise, knowledge base, or experience.

This doesn’t mean people that people tend to be “against” anything new.  It means people are not usually “for” new things until they are brought up-to-speed in proper understanding.  This helps widen people’s comfort zones.

I can’t tell you how many times I faced this in church work.  Church committees can be a powerful force for implementing ministry, and they can be “the kiss of death” for change, progress, and growth.

People tend to feed off each other’s emotion in committee meetings.  If a positive response prevails, so does the outcome.  If a negative reaction rises up, “red flags” pop-up in everyone; even by those with marginal opinions.

I’ve discovered over the years that the following percentages hold true in most organizational environments where new ideas are presented.

20% people – Early adopters and change agents; eager for new ideas, progress, and growth.  “Let’s do it, right now!”

60% people – Spectators; “let’s wait and see what prevails” attitude; then we’ll gravitate to the winning side.

20% people – Laggards; seem to be against anything new.  “If it isn’t broke; then why fix it?”
 
How church leaders deal with this depends upon the value or weight of necessary solutions to complex challenges.  I had a person once tell me, “Choose your battles carefully.  Some battles are worth fighting for; while others are not.”

Presenting new ideas to people requires more than just powerful verbal affirmation and emotion.  Acceptance of new ideas will also require good communications; that is, facts, figures, and good reasons.  We must not be surprised by people asking questions.  This brings clarity to the table. 

And don’t be surprised by comments that raise more questions.  These present opportunity for honest discussion.  Even if people seem a little hesitant about moving forward, they will listen and participate in open discussions; but only, if they feel that their opinions matters.

You’d be surprised how far respect and value for other’s opinions and advice can go in winning comrades.  This builds friendships based upon trust and confidence in people’s knowledge and wisdom.

When presenting new ideas to people, make sure to have “all your ducks lined up in order.”  Come prepared to answer people’s questions; even important ones that may not be asked.  This will help you cover your bases and not get caught off guard.

And be prepared for possible hesitancy on people’s part.  This is normal and should not be considered a threat to your new idea.  People oftentimes need time and space to assimilate new ideas.  Rushing can be counterproductive.

If your new idea has great worth; then it’s worth waiting on approval of others, especially by those who will ultimately help you bring your new idea to fruition.