Embracing Change: Lessons from a Wave

I recently read a touching story on Humans of New York. A woman was asked, “If you could tell the world one thing, what would you say?” Her response struck a chord with me:

“When a wave comes, go deep.

There are three things you can do when life sends a wave at you. You can run from it, but then it’s going to catch up and knock you down. You can also fall back on your ego and try to stand your ground, but then it’s still going to clobber you. Or you can use it as an opportunity to go deep and transform yourself to match the circumstances. That’s how you get through the wave.”

I use a wave in my business logo because I have used this analogy in so many aspects of my life, during very difficult times, times of change – sometimes abrupt and harsh. This advice isn’t just for individuals; it’s for organizations too, especially in the nonprofit sector. Change is inevitable, and it often feels like a wave crashing over us. But how we respond to these waves can define our future.

Think back to the global pandemic. We all faced unprecedented challenges and had to adapt quickly. Remote work became the norm, in-person meetings turned virtual, and contactless services became essential. These changes were daunting, but they also presented opportunities for growth and transformation.

As nonprofit and human services organizations, we must guide our agencies to embrace change rather than resist it. When faced with a wave of change, we should dive deep, reassess our strategies, and find innovative ways to serve our communities. This approach not only helps us survive but thrive in the face of adversity.

Let’s take this wisdom to heart and lead our organizations with resilience and adaptability. By going deep, we can transform challenges into opportunities and continue making a positive impact in the world.

How can your team transform, go deep, and make change that maximizes impact and outcomes for the people we serve?