News & Insights

Jim Collins, best-selling author and renowned management educator, recently headlined a conference for leaders of nonprofit organizations in Delaware. Collins spoke on the ideas introduced in his books, including his bestseller Good to Great

One point in particular struck a chord for me in reference to theological schools and the challenges and uncertain futures they face. The “Stockdale Paradox,” born from a conversation with Admiral Jim Stockdale concerning his prisoner-of-war experience in Vietnam, points to the imperative of a company or nonprofit doing two paradoxical things simultaneously, namely:

Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of difficulties. AND at the same time, Confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they may be.

The key for Collins is that as we work toward shaping a vision for the future, it is better to work with the facts rather than with mere dreams. Furthermore, unrealistic dreams can actually prove dangerous for a person or organization.

For theological schools, faith moves a school forward, but facts shape the path upon which faith walks. 

The question that challenges any leader when confronted with the Stockdale Paradox: Can your organization face the brutal facts while maintaining faith that you will prevail regardless of the difficulties?

 

To read more about the Stockdale Paradox, see Chapter 4, "Confront the Brutal Facts (Yet Never Lose Faith)," from Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...and Others Don't by Jim Collins (Harper Collins, 2001). To learn more about Jim Collins and his work, please visit www.jimcollins.com.

Top Topics

Roles & Responsibilities

Challenges

Opportunities

Board Essentials

Upcoming Events

The In Trust Center hosts learning community spaces throughout the year. Check out our upcoming events below.

Closing the Trust Gap

ON DEMAND

The current and very troubling condition of trust is a clarion call to action. But despite the dismal data showing pervasive organizational distrust, every organization can assess their current level of trust, learn and adopt a proven trust building framework, and then develop a meaningful and long-lasting plan of action. This webinar details the knowledge and practical next steps to strengthen workplace culture as a result of closing the trust gap.

In Trust Center Resource Grants

ON DEMAND

An In Trust Center Resource Grant offers member schools a chance to explore innovation at their institutions through a matching grant opportunity of up to $15,000. Listen to this 30-minute information session, including Q&A, as we provide details on eligibility requirements, funding priorities, application process. Previous grantees are eligible to apply as long as they are not within our current funding cycle.

Conflict + Crisis: Navigating the Shoals, Part 2 – A Deeper Dive

ON DEMAND

Presenter Donna Alexander, President & CEO of Advoxum Global Strategies, offers best practices for navigating conflict and crisis. She examines the crucial elements of defining conflict and crisis, identifying, and prioritizing affected stakeholders, utilizing effective communication strategies, and ultimately, executing a plan of action. Click here to view.

Can’t Find What You’re Looking For?

In Trust Center provides Resource Consulting to our members at no charge. Contact us today and let us guide you to the most helpful resources for your situation.

Contact Us