What happens when you try to implement change at the wrong time? For that matter, when is the right time to do it? From a leadership perspective, there are actually better times than others to make changes. Dr John Maxwell, who wrote the best seller The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, says: ‘I developed the following checklist to help me navigate the process: Will this [change] benefit the followers? Is [it] compatible with the purpose of the organisation? Is this change specific and clear? Are the top 20 per cent (the influencers) in favour of [it]? Is it possible to test this change before making a total commitment to it? Are physical, financial, and human resources available to make this change? Is [it] reversible? Is this change the next obvious step? Does [it] have both short- and long-range benefits? Is the leadership capable of bringing about this change? Does everything else indicate the timing is right? Before implementing a big change, I run through this checklist and answer each question with a yes or no. If too many questions have a no by them, then I conclude that the timing may not be right.’ Timing is so important. The Bible says: ‘To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…He has made everything beautiful in its time’ (vv. 1, 11 NKJV). If you’re thinking of making a change, talk to God ‘the timekeeper’ and ask Him 1) what should I do? and 2) when should I do it? Then step out in faith and trust Him to guide you!
