Using the church model to solve problems
I have an experience about using the gospel to solve problems outside of church.
I was once involved in a Parent/Teacher organization for my children’s elementary school.
To help delegate responsibilities better, we had the PTO president form a “presidency” with two counselors and a secretary, just like we did in Primary or Relief Society organizations at church. Everyone on the PTO board thought this was genius, and it worked great.
That practice carried on for years and might still be the form to this day.
What a wonderful blessing to have the workings of the church be a model for solving problems most anywhere.
-Anon.
June 24, 2013 Uncategorized
I like this post 🙂 Our PTO does have a “presidency” and when I became PTO president, I was really surprised that the “counselors” did not jump to support my decisions like I’m used to in the Church…I guess they need a bit more training 🙂
We all benefit from more training 🙂
Sounds like you wanted to move forward efficiently and make a difference, rather than vacillating over decisions and process. Is that about right? If so, what gospel principle(s) could you use to generate collaboration, contribution and group impact?
Actually, the solution to the difficulties in our “presidency” were solved in a way I wouldn’t have expected — I suggested that we start with a prayer. We live in an area where this is acceptable, but I think the others were worried that I would be offended if they suggested it. When I suggested we pray, we found agreement in things that would have been an argument the week before. And everyone learned a lot about the way Mormons pray, since I gave the prayer a lot.
And I learned that the PTO president is not called by inspiration, and I needed to be willing to follow the majority, even if it conflicted with my opinion!
Prayer! Great courage to suggest that. Sounds like it really brought the group together.
And I love your final point. Even for leaders who have been called by inspiration, the Lord’s way is to lead by “persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned” such that power flows “without compulsory means.”