Because We've Always Done It That Way

This weekend was a great time for doing and planning and I believe that we accomplished a whole lot that will be great for our Order in the long term. In doing what we did and starting our planning process and in trying to look at how we are going to address the needs of our members, the biggest "problem" with trying new things seems to have been summed up in a series of questions and answers that would make Abbott and Costello drop their jaws with admiration. The bit goes like this: First Question: Why do we have to do it that way? First Answer: Because We've Always Done It That Way. Second Question: Do you why we do it that way? Second Answer: Well, no, but we've always done it that way. Third Question: Well, if we don't know why we do it that way, then why don't we try something new? Third Answer: Because your new way will never work. Fourth Question: How do you know that the new way won't work? Fourth Answer: Because we've never done it that way. I am not an advocate to change just for change's sake. I am a true believer that if it ain't broke don't fix it. (Of course I also like to believe that all problems can be solved with WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, use the WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, use the duct tape. Voila!) But I also feel that "because we've always done it that way" is an exceedingly silly reason by itself, UNLESS you can follow up that statement with "and it works very well for ourselves, our local groups and our state organization." If you've got the follow up, then no change is needed. Otherwise, Ya Got Trouble in River City. Of course part of the problem is that people don't agree on the problem. And maybe that is where the problem starts. (How's that for confusing?) If we can't agree on what is broken, how could we possibly agree on how to fix it? In just about any group, if you ask ten people what the biggest problems or most important priorities might be, you will probably get ten different answers. And let's be realistic - a committee of ten has trouble deciding when or where to have dinner, let alone anything more important. It takes a great deal of effort on everyone's part to come together and agree on a course of action and it only happens when everyone in the group really wants to work together and come to a compromise. Personally, I am very happy to say that I think we did some of that this weekend and I hope we will do it a lot more. It took a great deal of effort and trust and even love on the part of a great group of people, who really rose to the challenge and brought things together in a positive way. And it is things like that which give me hope and happiness for our future. Next weekend, I will be in West Sacramento, Elk Grove, Sacramento and Chowchilla.