Discussion Questions:
- Adaptive Capacity: How has the concept of building adaptive leadership skills influenced your personal or professional life? Can you share an instance where adaptability was crucial for you?
- Identity Clarity: How does understanding your core strengths and identity help in making decisions and setting priorities? Can you think of a situation where this clarity guided you effectively?
- Uncommon Postures: Lisa Slayton talks about challenging default behaviors. What are some “uncommon postures” you have adopted in your life, and how have they impacted your actions and relationships?
- Personal Awakening: Slayton mentions two catalysts for personal awakening: potential possibilities and pain/disruptions. Which catalyst has been more prevalent in your life, and how has it influenced your growth?
- Navigating Ambiguity: Michaela O’Donnell emphasizes the importance of embracing ambiguity and recognizing multiple paths. How do you handle situations with no clear solution, and what strategies have you found helpful?
- Counterintuitive Actions: The episode discusses the metaphor of cutting the engine in a fog-bound boat as a necessary but counterintuitive action. Can you share an experience where you had to take a seemingly counterintuitive step to regain direction in life or work?
- Exploring the Adjacent Possible: Lisa Slayton introduces the concept of “exploring the adjacent possible.” How can taking small steps into familiar areas instead of diving fully back into challenging situations be beneficial for personal and professional growth?
- Role of Christianity: The episode highlights trusting Jesus and belonging to a faith community in navigating uncertain times. How has your faith influenced your ability to navigate life’s challenges and uncertainties?
- Inner Work: Both guests emphasize the importance of inner work in responding to life’s changes effectively. What inner work practices do you engage in to cope with personal and professional transitions?
- Pastoral Challenges: Lisa Slayton mentions the excessive expectations placed on pastors, especially post-COVID. How can congregations better support their pastors, and what can be done to help pastors set healthy boundaries?
