The Art of ReLeader Demolition

5 Keys to Remember in Your ReLeader Demo

My house is currently undergoing a bathroom remodel, and as I type this, the sounds of renovation fill the air. There's a mix of anticipation for the new look and dread for the process of getting there.

Before the installation of the new, there's an essential step: the demolition of the old. Watching this process unfold, I've realized that effective demo work involves far more than just wielding sledgehammers and bulldozers. The crew has been here for over an hour and hasn’t started deconstructing a single thing yet. Demo work is a methodical, careful procedure that requires precision and forethought. This has reminded me that, similarly, in the world of organizational leadership, the process of "demoing" – or carefully dismantling outdated systems and structures – is just as crucial. ReLeaders would be wise to do the demo work with precision and deliberate care, ensuring that what remains is preserved and what is removed is done so thoughtfully.

Here are five principles to remember when demoing things in your ReLeader journey.

Deliberate Destruction

In the remodeling process, careful consideration is given to what needs to be demolished versus what can be saved. A single mistake can lead to costly replacements. Similarly, in your organization, take the time to meticulously review what truly needs to be removed. Hastily discarding elements that are still valuable can lead to unnecessary expenses and setbacks. For example, if you're considering eliminating a department that appears to be underperforming, first assess whether the issue lies within the department itself or in external factors such as outdated tools or lack of training. It might be more effective to provide the necessary resources and support to revitalize the department rather than dismantling it entirely. Engage with team members and stakeholders to ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of what should stay and what should go. A little bit of patience and a lot of analysis could save you time, money, and staff morale.

Proverbs 15:22 (NIV) states, "Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers, they succeed." Seek advice to make informed decisions.

Preserve What’s Precious

Just as my remodeling crew meticulously prepped by covering hardwood floors and safeguarding cabinets, as a leader, it's vital to protect the elements of your organization that are functioning well. Preparation is key, ensuring that the valuable aspects of your organization are identified and shielded before you begin dismantling the outdated or ineffective parts. For instance, if you need to let some staff members go, it's crucial to communicate transparently with those who remain, addressing their concerns and ensuring they understand the reasons behind the changes. This approach helps maintain morale and trust within the team.

Similarly, if you have to close or change departments or systems, it's essential to handle the process with care and sensitivity. These changes often affect people deeply, and how you manage them matters significantly. Pulling people in early, giving them ample warning, and outlining the path forward can help mitigate the emotional impact. This allows those affected to prepare mentally and practically for the transition, fostering a sense of inclusion and respect. Proverbs 24:3-4 (NIV) reminds us, "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures." Use wisdom to discern what should remain intact and handle the necessary changes with grace and foresight.

Communicate Clearly

I cannot overstate how important communication is. In most of my ReLeader consulting, I consistently find poor communication to be a major issue. There's often poor communication between the board and the leadership team, poor communication from the leadership team to the staff, or poor communication with the congregation or constituents.

During my home renovation, effective communication was essential, especially given the language barriers among the crew. It was fascinating to watch the communication process unfold from team to team. It all started with my wife Michele (the real boss in it all). She communicated with the designer and contractor, who then communicated with the demo team leader. Here’s where it got interesting: the leader of the demo team knew English, but his crew did not. From Michele’s instructions to the person swinging the hammer, there were three opportunities for something to be miscommunicated or lost in translation. One miscommunication, and just like that, a countertop that was supposed to stay could get trashed, costing the customer (me) thousands of dollars.

This principle is equally important in organizational demo work. Ensure that everyone involved understands the plan and their role in the process. Miscommunication can lead to errors and inefficiencies. Maintain open and ongoing communication throughout the process to keep everyone aligned and informed. ReLeaders would be wise to use their words to build clarity and unity.

Consider the Community

In the midst of remodeling, my family will continue to live in the house for part of this process, navigating dust, noise, and disruptions. Similarly, in your organization, be mindful of the impact that demolition has on your team, customers, and ongoing operations. People still need to function amidst the chaos. Provide the necessary support to those affected by the changes, which might include additional resources, clear communication, and a compassionate approach to the challenges they face.

We must never forget that these are not numbers and names; they are people with mortgages, kids, spouses, feelings, and spiritual needs. They are not merely cogs in a wheel, turning the axle of our organizations. We have a responsibility to steward them well. Even if they are not directly affected by the changes happening, they are experiencing the dust, noise, and disruption of the demo project. Clear communication and acknowledging the struggle, while giving them space to find their voice and process their thoughts, is important and will go a long way in building your trust with them as the new leader. Galatians 6:2 (NIV) tells us to "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ." We would be wise as ReLeaders to follow this principle.

Verbalize Victory

Demolition is challenging, messy, and time-consuming. The demo process can be very demoralizing for your teams. Without vision, all you see is destruction and steps backward instead of progress. The morale within your organizational culture is a powerful tool. If it’s low, it can paralyze progress and profitability. If it’s high, it can generate momentum and progress beyond what you could achieve alone. Morale is one of your most powerful assets, and activating it is key. How do we do that? Through vision.

As a leader, you know the end goal. You can see it and visualize it, making it easy for you to look past the dust and destruction because you understand what will come next. However, if you never communicate that vision or paint that picture for your staff and constituents, all they see is destruction, which leads to low morale.

Be a visionary leader! Paint a clear vision of the future to make the painful process more bearable. Share the vision of what the organization will look like post-demo. Help your team see the bigger picture and the benefits the changes will bring. Use this vision to keep morale high and motivate everyone to endure the temporary discomfort for the promise of a better future.

Final Thoughts

Releading involves more than just building new structures; it requires thoughtful and careful demolition of the old. By preserving what’s precious, engaging in deliberate destruction, communicating clearly, considering the community, and verbalizing victory, you can navigate the complexities of releading with wisdom and grace.

Remember, God is with us in this process, guiding us to build His kingdom in ways that honor and uplift those we lead.