Today I sit down with Brian Miller, a change management expert from Coach Approach Ministries, to talk about adaptive change. Adaptive change is when you know something needs to change, but you don’t yet know what the solution is. It’s not just fixing a broken pipe—it’s realizing the whole plumbing system might need to be rethought. It’s the kind of change that requires people to shift their values, beliefs, and behaviors, not just learn a new skill. And that’s why it’s hard—because it’s not just about doing something different, it’s about becoming someone different.

When you lead this kind of change, the danger isn’t just that people leave—it’s that they check out. So Brian focuses on the following things: keep the pace people can handle, invite them into shaping the vision, really listen to the voices of concern, and anchor the change in habits and identity. That way, people don’t just stick around—they stay engaged in the mission.

[00:01] Meet Brian Miller: Coach and Consultant
[01:26] The Three Cs: Character, Competence, Chemistry
[03:23] Brian's Journey: From Sunday School to Seminary
[08:51] Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving World
[17:58] Adaptive Change: Technical vs. Adaptive Challenges
[25:04] Technical vs. Adaptive Change
[25:12] Regulating the Heat of Change
[29:13] Handling Rebellion and Sabotage
[30:38] Giving Work Back to the People
[31:23] Inspiring a Shared Vision
[35:20] The Role of the Holy Spirit in Leadership
[38:48] Protecting Early Warning Voices
[43:21] Anchoring Change in New Habits
[45:22] Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Don’t forget to check out Coach Approach Ministries and Canoeing the Mountains!

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)

Today, I welcome Tod Bolsinger, author and experienced leader, to share his experience navigating through the unknown. He emphasizes the importance of discerning one's mission, not being confined to tradition, and understanding that change is inherently accompanied by resistance and even sabotage. He offers valuable advice, urging leaders to form connections with others, embrace learning, and let go of what holds them back.

In today’s episode, you will learn:

• How to discern God’s presence guiding your decision based on consolation and desolation.
• How to be resilient in the face of resistance, understanding that it's a natural human response to have fear and anxiety, not a reflection of evil intentions.
• How finding and connecting with like-minded individuals on a similar journey is essential for support and growth.

If you’d like more on this subject, check out Tod’s books, Tempered Resilience and Canoeing the Mountains, or go to his website, AE Sloan Leadership.

My favorite quotes from Tod

• "Leadership is not a function, is not a title. It's a task. Leading is taking people through transformation, starting with your own."
• "Leading is paying attention to what are the things that, through the invitation of the Spirit, are truly ours to do in the world."

For more practical advice and experiences from real people sharing their mission with the world, go to https://equip.archomaha.org/podcast/.

A Production of the Archdiocese of Omaha
Editor: Taylor Schroll (ForteCatholic.com)