242. Life and Leadership in the Fog, with Michaela O'Donnell and Lisa Slayton, authors of Life in Flux

Spiritual Life and Leadership

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We talk a lot about leading through uncertainty on this podcast. But in this episode, the emphasis will be on navigating uncertainty in our own lives. In this conversation, Michaela O'Donnell and Lisa Slayton, co-authors of Life in Flux, discuss the importance of "uncommon postures" when navigating the fog in life, building personal adaptive capacity, and the need to pause and listen in the midst of uncertainty.
THIS EPISODE'S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Lisa Slayton challenges default behaviors and encourages developing uncommon postures to better support oneself.
• Michaela O'Donnell emphasizes the need to embrace change rather than avoid it, recognizing that old methods won't work for future challenges.
• Slayton identifies personal awakening catalysts as recognizing potential possibilities or facing pain and disruptions.
• Adaptive work involves recognizing that past methods won't suffice for future challenges, according to Michaela O'Donnell.
• The metaphor of a ship in the fog illustrates the need for intentional stillness in uncertain times.
• Slayton describes how cutting the engine in a fog-bound boat is a counterintuitive but necessary action to regain direction.
• Markus Watson reflects on personal experiences with uncertainty, realizing challenges can be embraced even when they are "unfigureoutable."
• Slayton shares an experience with a church team and stresses the importance of exploration and adaptation.
• Navigating ambiguity involves recognizing multiple paths forward, not just one clear solution, notes Michaela O'Donnell.
• Leadership should shift from problem-solving to curiosity, embracing uncertainty and adaptive learning.
• Markus Watson discusses the clarity of identity in understanding personal strengths and aligning roles accordingly.
• The Enneagram aids in understanding personal and leadership styles amidst change, recognizing strengths and limits.
• Lisa Slayton emphasizes the challenges pastors face due to excessive expectations and the need for managing these effectively.

RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Church Leadership Institute
• De Pree Center for Leadership
• Tamim Partners
• LifeinFlux.co
• Flourish San Diego
• Books mentioned:
  • Life in Flux, by Michaela O’Donnell and Lisa Slayton
• Related Episodes:
  • Episode 114: Meaningful Work, with Michaela O’Donnell
  • Episode 48: Integrity and Coherence in Leadership, with Lisa Slayton

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