Core and Flex

Previously posted in Developing Cultural Intelligence for Leadership G+ community

Core and Flex (in 2.1 - Talking Core and Flex) reminded me instantaneously of the importance of core values (the "why" and the "what") of an individual's and an organisation's life versus the outworking of those values (the "how").
See, for example, this video of Core Values & Company Culture from Jim Collins (researcher, author), Tony Hsieh (Zappos), and Steve Jobs (Apple): https://youtu.be/ecWiloEJ1dk.
I have been deeply influenced by the leadership philosophy of Bill Hybels (Senior Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church, Chicago, USA) memorably at a church leadership conference in Cardiff, Wales in 1994.
Core to this teaching is that as leaders we need to be very clear what our beliefs and core values are and stick rigidly to those but that everything else is "up for grabs" i.e. is not sacrosanct. So, for example, in a church example, the timing, structure and styles of music we use in public worship services are all changeable and is not core to who we are as a church. This has major implications for how we go about planning and implementing change.
This, I believe, applies equally to us as individuals as well as to any organisation regardless of sector.
Reminds me of the classic line "sacred cows make gourmet burgers".
See the following list of Willow's core values (from http://www.willowcreek.org/aboutwillow/what-willow-believes) and as you read that list consider whether (1) these values are mandating specific approaches for "how" these should be outworked and (2) whether these are likely to cease to be relevant to Willow over time:
"Ten core values bring clarity to the things that matter most at Willow. They guide how we achieve our mission, influencing major leadership decisions as well as everyday ministry plans. They even help us navigate staffing and budget issues. In short, they keep us focused on the unique call God has given us as a local church.
We believe anointed teaching is the catalyst for transformation in individuals’ lives and in the church. This includes the concept of teaching for life change (Romans 12:7; 2 Timothy 3:16–17; James 1:23–25).
We believe lost people matter to God, and therefore, they matter to the church. This includes the concepts of relational evangelism and evangelism as a process (Luke 5:30–32; Luke 15; Matthew 18:14).
We believe the church should be culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure. This includes the concept of sensitively relating to our culture through our facility, printed materials, and use of the arts (1 Corinthians 9:19–23).
We believe Christ followers should manifest authenticity and yearn for continuous growth. This includes the concepts of personal authenticity, character, and wholeness (Ephesians 4:25–26, 32; Hebrews 12:1; Philippians 1:6).
We believe a church should operate as a unified community of servants, with men and women stewarding their spiritual gifts. This includes the concepts of unity, servanthood, spiritual gifts, and ministry callings (1 Corinthians 12 and 14; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; Psalm 133:1).
We believe loving relationships should permeate every aspect of church life. This includes the concepts of love-driven ministry, ministry accomplished in teams, and relationship building (1 Corinthians 13; Nehemiah 3; Luke 10:1; John 13:34–35).
We believe life-change happens best in community. This includes the concepts of discipleship, vulnerability, and accountability (Luke 6:12–13; Acts 2:44–47).
We believe excellence honors God and inspires people. This includes the concepts of evaluation, critical review, intensity, and excellence (Colossians 3:17; Malachi 1:6–14; Proverbs 27:17).
We believe churches should be led by men and women with God-given leadership gifts. This includes the concepts of empowerment, servant leadership, strategic focus, and intentionality (Nehemiah 1–2; Romans 12:8; Acts 6:2–5).
We believe the pursuit of full devotion to Christ and His cause is normal for every believer. This includes the concepts of stewardship, servanthood, downward mobility, and the pursuit of kingdom goals (1 Kings 11:4; Philippians 2:1–11; 2 Corinthians 8:7)."