Change Warriors

Following is an excerpt from Paulo Coelho’s book “Warrior of the Light.” What I found was that most of his comments apply to those of us that are, in some way, leading change. I am inserting the term “Change Warrior” where the author had “Warrior of the Light” to adapt the story to change. Here’s a snippet of his book that I think applies:

You can recognize a Change Warrior by the look in his eye. Change Warriors are in the world, they form part of the world, and they were sent into the world without saddlebags or sandals. They are often cowardly. They do not always act correctly.

Change Warriors are wounded by the most foolish things, they worry about trivialities, they believe themselves incapable of growing. Change Warriors sometimes believe themselves unworthy of any blessing or miracle.

Change Warriors often ask themselves what they are doing here. Often, they find their lives meaningless.

This is why they are Change Warriors. Because they fail. Because they ask questions. Because they keep looking for a meaning. And, in the end, they will find it.

The Change Warrior thinks: “Changes must be made that I do not feel like making.” Then the eyes and heart of the Warrior begin to grow accustomed to the change. It no longer frightens him and he finally accepts his own legend, even if this means taking risks.

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Use this story to:

• Inspire a leader that is being asked to lead a change effort. Let them know that they aren’t being asked to lead change because they’re perfect, but because they ask questions and are seekers. They look for ways to improve rather than complaining about the current situation.
• Present information on change. Remind the audience that leading change is not for the faint of heart, and that those leading will make mistakes – but that is to be expected. The key is that they must be passionate enough about the change to hang in there until they grow used to it.
• Remind those considering leading change that they must be a warrior, not an implementer. Project plans do not create change. Imperfect, passionate people do!