How External Changes can Quickly Change our Thinking

I have been thinking lately about how small, externally forced changes can alter our thinking and behaviors. Some of it is driven by the Nudge, Freakanomics, Age of the Unthinkable type books and some by current events.

Stick with me, and help me think through some more practical examples.

Let’s start with Up in the Air, the current George Clooney movie about a very frequent traveler. (I will review at the end of the post) It sure had its moments of interest to me as some of the character’s behavior when it comes to travel mirrors my own.

My patterns of packing, check in, zipping through security routines and being the first on the plane to stow my carryon bag are very familiar to other frequent flyers.

I am a committed one bag (plus my book bag) traveler. That philosophy drives lots of my purchases. It drives me to search for the ultimate carry one luggage that fits me. Unlike “Ryan Bingham” I detest the roller boards and prefer the soft sided shoulder bags. That in turn influences my choice of clothes I purchase and wear on a regular basis. I look for items in a standard color collection that can work well when I am on the road for a week. I am always thinking, will this go in the carry on bag and allow me the flexibility I need? Ditto shoes.

In fact my “travel light” philosophy impacts me in many more ways as I try to eliminate as much “stuff” from my life as well. These are positive impacts for sure.

The second line of thought came after the reaction to the Christmas day attempted airline bombing. Rumors flew around the various light travel web sites about further restrictions on carry on bags. What if all carry on bags save women’s purses and clear totes were enforced? What if all other bags must be checked at the counter?

That would change my thinking. On the one hand, it would mean more time and hassle when I travel. As the character notes in the movie, it means another 70-90 minutes each trip. But it would also influence my luggage choice. I might choose a brighter color. I would definitely go with a larger bag. I would carry more shoes and workout clothes. I might even carry a portable printer or other gizmos. I would go back to roller bag versions for sure. You get the picture.

This is something that could change overnight, with one “external force” making the change.

I note that in the past year as airlines have begun charging for bags to ride in the luggage hold that more travelers are stuffing the overhead bins with more and more large bags and not just simple totes. So that external change created part of the situation we have now. Passengers respond to rule changes and laws to create “new normals.”

OK, so what?

This gets me back to thinking of other disruptions that could impact larger culture, society, organizations, churches and our work here at Leadership Network.

What are the “unthinkable” or even mundane changes that would alter how we look at various ways of how we do things?

For example, the loss of tax deductibility for certain large gifts to churches and other not for profits, how will that change our approaches to these issues? What if there is a “national health care plan”? Will that change our churches involvement with health issues?

So help me build a list of “external changes” that will have an impact on churches and their leader’s thinking. Just hit me on an email (dave.travis (at) leadnet.org) or hit the comment button below.

OK, the quick review of Up in the Air – I didn’t like it. On the one hand it was a great commentary on our times as to lay offs, firings and life in the air. But there was no joy or fun in it. I like comedies and this wasn’t one. I like some drama’s too, but this wasn’t that either.

 Dave Travis

Managing Director

Leadership Network