Discussion Questions:
1. How can the “disagree and commit” approach positively impact decision-making processes within faith communities? Can you think of a scenario where this approach might be challenging to implement?
2. Tod Bolsinger mentions that trust is critical but not the transformation itself. How do you see trust and transformation interacting within your own community or organization?
3. What are some practical ways leaders can invest in building trust to pave the way for transformation? Share an example from your experience where trust led to significant change.
4. Why is it detrimental for leaders to try to please all stakeholders? Discuss the balance between stakeholder engagement and unwavering commitment to the mission.
5. Tod Bolsinger emphasizes the importance of an 8-word mission statement. How can this structured approach to creating mission statements help organizations make tough decisions?
6. Share an example from your experience where a clear mission statement has or could have guided a difficult decision within an organization.
7. Marty Linsky emphasizes the inevitability of loss in adaptive leadership. How can leaders prepare and support their teams in navigating through such inevitable losses?
8. Discuss why Christian leaders might struggle with being people pleasers. How can they overcome this tendency to lead more effectively?
9. How can leaders ensure that the mission always takes precedence over individual stakeholders’ interests? Share strategies for rallying stakeholders around a focused mission statement.
