The Influencer Faces Conflict and Change

Thoughts from Influence by Philip E. Morrison and Hankuri Tawus Gaya:

Amos was sent by God to preach against the sins of the nation of Israel. Israel needed to repent, changing their hearts and actions. Amos’ message caused conflict. Amaziah, the priest, was in charge of the idolatrous calf worship at Bethel and tried to send him back to Judah. Though Amos faced opposition, he carried out his charge to bring about change.

Not all situations that we desire to influence for change will be like Amos’. But when a person starts to influence, conflict will result. By proposing a new direction, you are challenging the status quo. People like what they have always known. Changes disrupt routine and move people out of their comfort zone, so they disagree and resist. You may have good motives and deep love for the orga­nization or group you want to influence. You may want to improve things and have no intention of offending anyone. But many will still resist. The key is not to avoid conflict but to resolve the resulting conflict in the direction of the change you desire. If the conflict is resolved by maintaining things as they have always been, there has been no influence. 

Change is a process, and it takes time. You may be proposing a change or action that is a minority viewpoint. Persuading people will be a difficult struggle. You will need to cause people to ques­tion what they have known, cast a vision for what could be, and execute a plan. This takes commitment, patience, and persistence in your efforts. You may only be able to achieve small gains and victories, but by God’s grace, you can start the process of change.

Think about an area you want to influence. Evaluate to what extent the change you desire is based on principle versus preference. Are the principle and the end goal important enough to cause the disruption and conflict that change will bring? Are you committed, even if it will be a battle?