Q. How do I get buy-in for my RCIA vision from the parish leadership and faith community?
A. This question is at the heart of being human and being in relationship. Differences among us are baked into our DNA. The challenge is, in spite of all our differences, how do we join together to proclaim the gospel and establish the reign of God?
A huge roadblock to that unity of mission is resistance to change. Even when the need for change is clear, people tend to resist change out of fear: fear of the unknown, fear of losing status, fear of more work, fear of looking inept.
When change does happen, it seldom happens because those leading the change made a good case or offered clear analysis. Change happens when we can alleviate the fear people feel. You have to be able to make your case, but first you have to be able to touch people’s hearts.
To initiate change, try these eight strategies.
1. Be conversational
If you’re like me, your first instinct might be to haul out the facts, like a lawyer trying a case. Instead, try talking to people as you would talk to your mother or another loved one. When I talk with my mom about important ideas, I don’t use PowerPoints. I try not to inundate her with information. I do try to give just enough information so that she knows I’ve thought about things and the topic is important to me.
2. Listen for (and watch for) people’s feelings
Most people are not good at identifying their feelings. For example, they won’t say, “This vision of yours scares the heck out of me.” More likely, their body will tense up, they may frown a bit, and they might say, “That won’t work. We’ve never done things that way before.” Try more active listening and being open about your own feelings. Remember that any change, even if resistance is low, is still a grieving process of first letting go of the familiar. Something has to die for change to take place. We have to allow for the emotional work of grieving the loss.
3. Repeat, repeat, repeat
I am pretty sure that you think you have communicated early and often. And most of the people you are trying to inform probably think you haven’t really said much, if anything. This is another function of fear that generates resistance. When we don’t want to change, we just don’t hear the message. Even when you think you have said the same thing for the hundredth time, say it again. And again. And again.
4. Use a mix of media
If people hear or read your message in a variety of formats from many directions, the chances of getting through are greater. Consider using e-mail, posters, Facebook posts, webinars, podcasts, memos, town hall meetings, bulletin announcements, Zoom meetings, and whatever else you can imagine.
5. Tell stories
What is your own story of what caused you to change? Who has benefited from some of the changes that have been initiated? What are their stories? Focus on the emotions behind these stories. Find stories that talk about overcoming fear and moving to a better future.
6. Master the four-part pitch
Practice communicating your vision in under 30 seconds using this pattern:
- Why? Say why you think the vision is so important.
- What? Say exactly what will change.
- What if? Say what the better-future will look like if the vision is enacted.
- How? Invite the hearer to join the change in a specific way.
7. Be the change
In catechumenate ministry, there is a lot you can change in your own behavior. The more people see you living the vision, the more they will begin to believe. Actions will speak more powerfully than words. Use your behavior to communicate your message.
8. Be a duck
You’ve heard the phrase, “like water off a duck’s back”? No matter what you do, someone will complain. Someone will try to shut down your initiative. Someone will snipe at you. I’m not talking about sincere criticism. People who want to have honest dialogue should always be engaged and respected. But overly negative or anonymous criticism shouldn’t take up your time. You shouldn’t let them dominate meetings or communication activities. Be a duck and let their attacks roll off of you.
Your turn
Which of these strategies resonates with you today? What steps can you take to put it in place in your parish? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
