Risk. Change. Conflict. Ouch.

Ran across this article about leadership and change today! I think y'all should read it, whether or not you're in a leadership position. If you are, it will probably ring true to your experience and give you some good advice; and if you're not, it might help you understand your leaders a bit better, and so be a more constructive member of a team/company/etc. (believe me, if you can work well with others, you are high up on my list of favorite people!!).

This point, in particular, really stuck out to me:

"3. Leaders crave change more than most people do because they're, well, leaders. Your passion level is always going to be naturally and appropriately higher than most people's when it comes to change. Just know that's how you're wired and don't get discouraged too quickly if your passion for change is higher than others. You're the leader."

That really resonates with me, so it kinda made me feel better about the countless hours I spend thinking about changes that most people don't really care about... yeah. ;)

On the other hand, I had a moment this morning where I was on the receiving end of a potential change. For a minute, it knocked the wind out of me. Nothing entirely unexpected, but still, it's frustrating. It  messes with my plans and the way that I had decided on doing things... ouch. And actually more disconcerting to me, I know for a fact that I'm going to get stuck hearing everybody and their mother's opinions on the matter! Not a fun way to start Monday morning...

But as I pondered the whole situation more, I started thinking creatively and more positively about the change. In the span of a half an hour, I went from holding back tears to strategizing! How can we best empathize with people and do damage control, while still remaining positive and moving forward? How can we make this something that unites, instead of divides? And most importantly... Jesus, how can we become more holy through this? How can we use this as a teachable moment for more prayer, humility and dying to self? Please, help me put myself aside! (I tell y'all this not to be like, "oh look at me, I'm gonna play this off all cool despite how I feel," but just to say that grace really is present in the difficult situations you find yourself in.)

So I think that's my new rule: Katie, you have 30 minutes to be upset! Then, you need to get over yourself and be constructive.

In fact, that might not be a bad plan for leadership roles that I find myself in. (I'm thinking out loud here...) Let everyone in the affected group know what's going on, empathize with them, etc. But be very upfront about the fact that, after a little time to be upset, we have to put ourselves aside and work for the sake of something bigger than ourselves. There will be no room for complaining, gossiping or playing the blame game. (Bam!)

Leading in a way that fosters holiness... yikes. I think I'm going to be learning until the day I die.

3.It  Leaders crave change more than most people do because they’re, well, leaders. Your passion level is always going to be naturally and appropriately higher than most people’s when it comes to change. Just know that’s how you’re wired and don’t get discouraged too quickly if your passion for change is higher than others. You’re the leader. - See more at: http://careynieuwhof.com/2013/07/cheat-sheet-13-facts-about-change-many-leaders-dont-realize/#sthash.AegiecLP.dpuf

3. Leaders crave change more than most people do because they’re, well, leaders. Your passion level is always going to be naturally and appropriately higher than most people’s when it comes to change. Just know that’s how you’re wired and don’t get discouraged too quickly if your passion for change is higher than others. You’re the leader. - See more at: http://careynieuwhof.com/2013/07/cheat-sheet-13-facts-about-change-many-leaders-dont-realize/#sthash.AegiecLP.dpuf

Change: It's Coming.

It's time to get into the Holy Week mood!

And by that I mean, I'm going to kill this blog... and then bring it back to life.

I'm going to baptize it.

It is going to die to itself, and then rise to new life.

First, crucifixion.

Death.

But then... rebirth.

Renewal.

Resurrection.

Bam.

Okay, it's not really that dramatic.

Athough these brief, one-line sentences are meant to give it that effect.

Basically, I've been mulling over the idea of making some changes to this blog... like, for instance, the name of it. This is probably provoking a whole spectrum of emotional reactions from you (all six of you!), from "OH MY GOODNESS, NOOOOOOOOO" to "I hated the name anyway!" and everything in-between (such as "eh, whatever, it's cool"). In any case, I'm going for something easier to pronounce, easier to remember, easier to spell, and more reflective of my writings. When I began this blog, it was an exciting little experiment. But experiments change and grow and develop over time; blogs are living, breathing organisms that... okay, I'm done with the biology analogy. You get the point. At any rate, the temperaments thing started out fun, but I didn't find that I was able to focus my blog around it... nor did I ever completely intend to. Although the current name still captures my own personality well, the time has come to say farewell. DPP, a little piece of you will live on in our hearts (until we forget that you existed. Sniff sniff).

I'm open to suggestions, although I do have some ideas! I have no prizes to offer you... just a little piece of the interwebs on which you will have made your mark. :)

I know, I know, the underlying question: but what about my vast readership? How will you know where to find me, if I change the name (and hence, the web address as well)? I've thought about this too, and the answer is stunningly simple: I will tell you! Once I figure it out (and make sure that the domain name is available), I'll give you a couple days of warning. This will give you time to say your goodbyes, wipe away your tears, tell your friends, ready your Google Reader, etc. When I make THE SWITCH, you will know it's coming. I'm thinking maybe right before or after Easter? Going liturgical is always a win. So anyway, this post is your official pre-warning warning!

Okay, 'nuff of this for now! Enjoy your weekend, people. I've got some important reading and movie watching to do...

Exhibit A: a book on Catholic culture. Exhibit B: a movie that is full of Catholic culture.