It’s scary to do something that is not what we’ve always done. Sometimes, it’s scary just to suggest that we try something new – not only because we might fail, but because really big changes can require total philosophical shifts, and it’s daunting to think that way.
So, what’s our natural inclination when we anticipate this resistance? What do we do to push the idea through, past each level of supervisor, committee and board? We work with our counterparts to fine-tune the idea. We smooth the rough edges and temper it to be more palatable to those who might not love the idea of change. We make it a little bit easier for everyone to understand. We make it fit the mold that things need to fit. And, of course, the more fine-tuning our idea receives, the less creative or innovative it becomes.
In the end, the final product is the same thing we’ve always done, perhaps with new fonts and brighter colors.
Consistency is comforting. It’s easy. We know it works. We know our biggest donors like it that way – it’s the reason why they continue to give… right?
Even if we know it doesn’t work, there will be no ruffled feathers by staying the course, since, at the very least, it’s what we’ve always done.
Walt would agree, right? Isn’t that the reason certain rides, like Disneyland’s original Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean, have remained relatively untouched since they were built more than 50 years ago? Isn’t that why fans are up in arms the moment they hear that a dated attraction will be renovated or replaced?
The truth is, Walt Disney loved change. From the moment Disneyland opened in July, 1955, rather than paying off his debts as quickly as possible, Walt vowed to put a percentage of the revenue toward constantly improving the park. While he was alive, nearly all of the lands and attractions received updates. Some attractions only lasted a few years before being renovated or replaced! If Walt had lived another 20 years, Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion would certainly have been updated! If Walt were around today, Tomorrowland wouldn’t be known as “Nostalgialand” by some critics, and there’s no way Fantasyland would still have dark rides in which a small cart wiggles its way past flat wooden panels painted to reflect scenes from 80-year-old movies! Where’s the fantasy in that?
It’s time to embrace change in our nonprofits! Let your creative juices flow!
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