Change is a great and horrible thing, and people love it or hate it at the same time. Without change, however, you just don’t move.
Marc Jacobs

Most of us do not handle change well. The status quo is comfortable, reassuring and dependable. We know what to expect, and can plan accordingly. So when a small change is introduced, within a narrow scope, we can usually incorporate that into our existing paradigm without much disruption to our lives (be it at work or at home). But what happens when you take a highly-engaged group of individuals with common goals and change something significant? Does the time allotted before the change impacts their processes play into how well the change is accepted?

An example of this is our local hockey team, now called the Central Illinois Flying Aces. Up until a month or so ago, they were known as the Bloomington Thunder. This previous name has history and traction among their fans, with a significant amount of merchandise and memorabilia in the community and the fan base. In addition, the engagement level of the current fans is significantly high. This means that any change to the branding of the team will be met with varying levels of response, with the only constant being the intensity level of their responses.

Now let’s compare this to a project team or work department that has been working together and become a highly engaged and effective team. Add to this, perhaps, a strategic change or shift in vision that will change the group paradigm. Even if the change only impacts the self-impression of the group, the level of engagement will multiply the potential disruption the change can cause for the team, and the agency as a whole. Because one of our tasks as agents of change, and as leaders, can be to minimize the disruption caused by change, it is critical that changes with this level of emotional impact be communicated early and often.

In the example of my favorite hockey team, this paradigm-shifting change was exponentially charged by several external factors, among which were rumors that the team would be relocating to another area and changes in the team leadership at the highest level. While I am not aware of all of the internal forces around the timing of this change, I can appreciate the effort required to undertake such a foundational change with the beginning of the season only months away and the bravery and dedication to success that drove such a bold move.

It has been interesting to gauge the reaction of the fans during this process, as there have been some vocal opponents and supporters of this change. Much like there would be in any organization who changed the paradigm a team was working under. What the Flying Aces have done well with this change is their continued effort to communicate as much as possible about the reasons for the change, and work to re-establish engagement with their fans during the run-up to the home opener.

Personally, while I had investment in their previous brand, I am a big fan of the new paradigm, and will continue to support the people that play the game regardless of the logo they wear. So when paradigm-shifting change happens, remember that it’s not just the change itself that we need to manage, but also those impacted by the change and their acceptance of the new paradigm. Embrace and accept the change.

(The featured image displays the new primary and secondary logos for the Flying Aces, along with their tagline/hashtag: Rise as One)

So, as I said, I play around with it. I am nowhere near capable enough to do it for a living, but it occupies me and keeps me out of trouble. And it is FUN. Even when it frustrates me. Much like any other skill or ability, there are recognized masters of their craft. Reynante Martinez is one of my favorites. Looking through his gallery, you can tell that this person does not fight the tools, he uses them at a level that enhances the expression of their creativity instead of hampering it (as happens with me when I realize that what I want is light-years away from what I am currently capable of).

Now, for anyone who has had occasion to talk to Mr. Martinez can testify, he is very supportive of others and their journeys to becoming skilled with the tools Blender provides. One piece of advice he offers frequently is to simply “Get in there and play with it.” This advice is reinforced by a significant number of successful professionals, and at least one sports equipment company (Just do it!). This implies that we already have the “right stuff” to become good with the tools, we simply need to learn how best to use them. This is a message worth repeating, and resonates with me on a personal level.

There are times, when working with someone on teaching them a skill or process, when you know they have decided that they are not capable of what they are being asked to do. That is when our role as teachers/coaches/mentors/parents is truly put to the test! At times like that, it is important for us to remember what it felt like to be in their position, and analyze what we can do to help them past their own self-doubts and move them towards the greatness we know they have within them!

As promised, hopefully to ignite your “I can do it” fire, are two of my favorite short features done with Blender. First, “Big Buck Bunny“. This is a short film about justice and the consequences of not being nice. The second is a short science fiction piece called “Tears of Steel“. When you watch both of these, please remember that these were not big studios that produced these, and think how amazing it is that these types of free tools are available to us.

(FYI, the image for this article uses two of the fantastic materials in Reynante’s Cycles Material Vault)