ReBuild it in the Air

Creating Change Without Stopping Progress

There's a popular saying that originated in Silicon Valley: "Build it while it's in the air." This phrase was initially used to describe the iterative process of software development, emphasizing progress over perfection. The idea was to get the plane off the ground as soon as possible and then continue building it while it's already flying.

When I assumed the role of ReLeader as the Senior Pastor of Victory Church on November 1, 2014, we were already in flight. However, I wasn't sure how long I could keep the plane in the air. If you're not familiar with my story, I was a young and inexperienced pastor, serving as a campus pastor when the founding pastor (a great man) made a tragic mistake. In an instant, our high-flying passenger airliner lost one engine, and the other was engulfed in flames. Our once majestic aircraft was now losing altitude, relying on a single engine, while passengers scrambled for parachutes. No one was rushing to the captain's chair to take control. Why would they? The situation seemed hopeless, alarms were blaring in the cockpit, and the logical choice was to secure everyone's safety by evacuating the plane.

Perhaps you find yourself in a similar situation, where your cockpit is filled with alarms of its own. Whether your ReLeader role is as CEO, Vice President, Director, Teacher, Executive Assistant, Doctor, Nurse, Sales Associate, or in any other position where someone has served before you, you’ve been asked to “rebuild it while it’s in the air.”

First off, welcome to the helm, ReLeader. You ran to the chair and grabbed the yoke when everyone else was grabbing parachutes. When you agreed to be the captain of this air bird, you agreed to keep it in the air, deliver the goods and get cargo and passengers to the destination on time and in one piece. If you’re like me, you didn’t fully know what you were in for when you grabbed that yoke.

In the realm of ReLeading, there's a striking parallel to be drawn: attempting to construct an airplane while it's still in flight. It may appear absurd on the surface, yet the metaphor holds a deeper meaning. Just as the laws of physics govern aircraft, ReLeaders navigate the complex dynamics of their organizations. There's a tangible weight to the challenges they face, requiring them to find balance and soar against the pull of resistance. While working in the realm of ReLeading, we sometimes yearn for visible indicators of progress—a reassuring sign that the gears are turning, transformations are taking place. In the same way that the roaring thrust of a jet engine signifies forward momentum, ReLeaders manifest tangible change, leaving no doubt that meaningful progress is underway.

To ensure a successful ReLeading journey, we must adopt strategies that allow us to rebuild the plane while it's still in flight, without disrupting progress. Let's explore some key thoughts:

Slow Down and Get Out of the Clouds

Let's embark on an imaginative journey where we find ourselves aboard a cruising airplane soaring at 35,000 feet and 600 miles per hour. But suddenly, an unexpected event occurs—the loss of cabin pressure. In such a situation, the experienced pilot swiftly takes action, immediately reducing the speed and descending to a more manageable altitude of 10,000 feet, where the air is breathable and comfortable for everyone onboard.

When you took the yoke, this thing was cruising, but not anymore. You cannot rebuild at that speed and altitude, it’ll break apart.  It is vital that you recognize the need to slow down and create moments of calm amidst the chaos. Just like an airplane cannot create change while hurtling at the speed of sound, a ReLeader must find opportunities to step back, reassess, and prepare the organization for transformation. Coming out of the clouds, where visibility is limited, allows everyone to catch their breath, gain perspective, and refocus on the goals at hand. By descending to a lower altitude, ReLeaders create an environment where meaningful change can take root and flourish.

Small changes lead to big shifts

Imagine the chaos that would ensue if you attempted to swap out an entire wing while the plane was soaring through the skies. It's a recipe for disaster, just like trying to change both engines simultaneously. But fear not, for in the world of ReLeading, we understand that significant transformations are not achieved overnight. Instead, they unfold through a series of small, incremental changes. It's like a pilot making subtle adjustments to the flight controls, allowing for gradual but impactful shifts that ultimately reshape the organization. So, rather than attempting the impossible, ReLeaders focus on identifying specific areas in need of improvement and implementing targeted adjustments. These seemingly small changes may appear insignificant at first, but over time, they accumulate and build momentum. And before you know it, you'll wake up one day to find that you've successfully rebuilt and revitalized half the organization.

Know What Creates Lift

In the world of aviation, lift is the magic ingredient that keeps planes soaring through the skies. It's generated by specific components like wings, which abide by the laws of physics and allow the aircraft to stay airborne. Similarly, organizations have their own set of crucial elements that contribute to their success and sustainability. As a ReLeader, your mission is to identify these key elements within your organization. It could be a robust company culture that fuels motivation and camaraderie, core values that guide decision-making, or unique expertise that sets you apart from the competition. Many times, the greatest “lift” in your organization is staff morale. Keeping your staff culture healthy can bring the needed lift while rebuilding in the air. These elements are the true sources of "lift" that propel your organization forward. Neglecting them can lead to turbulence and instability.

Know What Creates Thrust

Just like an airplane needs thrust to move forward, organizations thrive on progress. It's like that burst of energy that propels you closer to your goals. As a ReLeader, you need to identify what drives thrust within your organization because if you lose it while you’re rebuilding in the air, you’re going down. Is it the innovative ideas that ignite excitement and spark creativity? Perhaps it's the power of collaboration, where brilliant minds come together to achieve greatness. Perhaps it’s a particular product or service that pays the majority of your bills. Whatever it may be, as a ReLeader, you must discover those areas that create thrust and harness their power.

You Cannot Do it Alone

Rebuilding a plane while it's still in the air is quite the endeavor. I mean, how can you expect to fly the plane and tinker with the engines simultaneously? It's like trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle. This is where a strong team comes into play. You need a group of skilled professionals who bring their expertise and knowledge to the table, especially in areas like thrust and lift. As a ReLeader, it's essential to surround yourself with individuals who possess specialized skills. By assembling such a diverse and capable team, you can tap into their collective wisdom and experience, ensuring that every aspect of the organization's rebuilding process is handled with precision and expertise.

In Joshua chapter 1, Joshua sat down in the cockpit. Moses was dead and he was the new ReLeader in town. Everyone on the plane was probably a little nervous to have this new, young ReLeader at the yoke. Joshua was scared too. How do I know that? Because some of the first words God said to this new ReLeader was, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9, NIV).

Hey ReLeader, you got this. You’re at the yoke because God placed you there. ReBuild it in the air.

Go fix broke stuff…