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)