The Story Behind Sycamore Change

Our focus is:  Clarity of Purpose, building Trust, Respect, and Credibility, and Reinforcing behaviors to drive Sustainability

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 19, verses 1 through 10, we learn of Zaccheus, a wealthy tax collector in Jericho, a town on the road to Jerusalem.   He was hated, as were most tax collectors at that time, because Zaccheus had cheated people.

Zaccheus wanted to see Jesus, but he was not a tall man, so he climbed up into a sycamore tree ahead of Jesus’ path.  As Jesus approached, He called out to Zaccheus, telling him to come down from the tree.  Jesus told Zaccheus that He would be staying in Zaccheus’ house that night.  Zaccheus hurriedly climbed down and met Jesus joyfully.  The people in the town were angry that Jesus would waste His time with a sinner such as Zaccheus. 

But Zaccheus said something truly amazing – and life changing.  In front of all of these angry residents whom he had stolen from, he said, “Behold Lord, half of my possessions I am giving to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I am giving back four times as much” (Luke 19:8).

What change leadership lessons can we glean from this famous Bible story?

There are three essentials that Sycamore Change provides to leaders trying to guide their organizations through major change efforts or difficult times.

First, it is essential that leaders gain a full understanding of their circumstances.  Sycamore Change provides an elevated, clear, and realistic picture of the situation to leaders, because leaders must know what they are getting in to.  This helps them develop and convey clarity of Purpose to the organization.

Second, leaders need to make a very visible and public statement about what they personally plan to do differently going forward.  This helps leaders develop Trust, Respect, and Credibility within the organization.

Third, leaders need to provide ongoing “care to the tree”, ensuring that their organization is regularly “watered and nourished”.  This visible and ongoing Reinforcement drives Sustainability of the results achieved by the organization.