PP77 : Core Values and Decision Making
Decision fatigue can be a real thing. Or when you unknowingly are faced with decisions that make you struggle with core beliefs.
The bottom line is this, the more we know who we are, the easier decision-making will be.
Over a year ago, when in a GIANT ministry transition, I began reflecting on the things that were core to how I did ministry. I ended up with a list of 7 or 8 things and did a massive bit of reflecting through the list, and ultimately made another list of what my current ministry content would look like and how I would make sure I stayed healthy by staying true to those core values.
I outlined this process in episode 14 of the podcast, and since then I have taken multiple people through the same process in one-on-one coaching. The ideas and methodology are still important and this summer I dug even deeper into the idea because of two books.
The Yellow Pad | Robert E. Rubin
Leadership on the Line | Heifetz and Linksy
Both of these books make me dig even deeper into understanding the roles of personal values in ministry.
Our Core Values Anchor our Decisions
Values give us boundaries. They help us create tension when change is needed. The keep us safe from going over the side.
Many times we can leave these values unstated. It is only when we begin to discern them, see how they work with our strengths and other parts of our personality, AND learn how our values might create blind spots we are able to find the deep source of power in our values.
Values Give Clarity
Who we are is at the beginning and end of each decision we make. We make decisions NOT knowing this when we don’t understand our values. Once we understand these values, we are able to harness them while making big decisions and little decisions. Sometimes we need to state them upfront with others. Sometimes we have to state them internally to ourselves.
“The right approach to crisis management begins not with managing the crisis but managing oneself.”
Values inform any current context
Regardless if we are moving into a new ministry situation or the one we are in is shifting, it is our values that allow us to navigate change. Values allow us to function in a fluid situation. When we hit ministry walls it is our reliance on these values that help us over and to a new place.
“Strategic dynamism is any situation where tactics and long-term strategy shift, but our values and principles remain constant.”
Mentioned Episodes
Personal Ministry Vision | Episode 14
Clarity and Decision Making (Why One Thing Matters) | Episode 19
Our Yes’s and No | Episode 44
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