Changemaking
The seasons are shifting as we transition from summer into autumn. The long, warm days outdoors are giving way to cosy hibernation indoors as we pass the autumn equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, the time of equal day and night. Transitions and change are our only constant, and we’ve been learning to live with them since humans evolved on this earth; they are fundamental for renewal and growth, as natural as the world around us, so why do they always feel a little challenging?
Some of us are more comfortable with change, and we can find ourselves in the role of Changemaker; in our families, communities or work. A role where we birth, influence, work with and bring the new into the world; constantly working with the tides of transitions. As changemakers we are motivated by newness, possibility and hope in figuring out how to meet the needs of an unpredictable future; one that others would rather avoid. We spot when our current mode of operating isn't working, when the tried and tested ways of the past don’t hold the answers, and forge the new. It’s a role that can feel like we’re building the track as the train is approaching, and requires a huge amount of resilience, belief and the ability to influence those who we have no control over. It’s a tough and highly rewarding role and it can feel very lonely and exhausting working against the tide of ‘established ways of doing things around here’. How much of this describes you?
Man in a shirt walking waist deep in the sea
How can we be our best as Changemakers, forging the new when the world feels like it’s going in a different direction? These challenging roles require constantly working with uncertainty. They are long, lonely and tiring paths to take, and our mindset, approach and the support we have around us have a big impact on our success.
Here are some of the approaches we’ve found successful Changemakers use to keep them on the right track:
Let go of what you cannot control. When it is impossible to predict specific future outcomes, focus on a process or road map to guide you towards action and outcomes. Having an intention to move towards a wider, less tangible goal or vision will bring about the outcomes needed.
Be comfortable with not being an expert. We often become ‘experts’ in our fields based on past experience. Being a Changemaker means we are reimagining the future and past experience is no longer as relevant.
Highly develop your people skills. Changemakers get curious about what makes people tick, what motivates them and holds them back. Deep listening and asking curious questions helps us to understand and develop trust. Being able to confidently work with and through conflict is a skill to hone.
Remaining calm in charged environments. Let’s be honest, most of us don’t like change so our work as Changemakers can cause resistance, friction and upset. We can encourage others through their transition by remaining steady and calm - like the approach we might take if we come across a scared animal.
Building our own resilience. Going against the established tide can be exhausting work, the ability to sustain energy, positivity and being able bounce back is key. Make looking after you a priority.
Don’t go it alone. People in tough, changemaker roles amplify their impact being part of a supportive community to listen to, travel with, bounce ideas off and cheer each other on.
If this resonates with you and you’d like to grow your tools and community to support you as a Changemaker, join Sarah and a small group of other changemakers in the Uncertain Times Huddle. Deadline to apply is the 30th September - so be quick. For more information or to apply, click below.
Growing a Community of Changemakers
We are holding a Loafspark away day on the 18th October at The Community Farm, a space in nature near Bristol. We are opening up this space as a gift to other Changemakers, to join us on the day. If you or your work would benefit from spending time in nature, join us for the day, or part of, to work on your own project and connect with a community of other Changemakers.
Find us…
Find Sarah at Good Fest on the 26th and 27th September. Sarah is speaking at a session ‘Growing My Impact’.
Find Simon and Sarah at The Community Farm on the 18th October. If you’re a Changemaker, this is a gift to you (see above).