Preparing the group
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
1. Make final decision.
2. Implement some actions.
3. Evaluate ongoing progress.
MAIN IDEAS
The discerning group has prepared a decision proposal. If it has worked well, the fruit is not only an answer to a question, but also a state of indifference, that is, an openness to the will of God and a capacity to accept different good options, as discerning is usually about choosing one out several good options. It is now time for the competent authority to take the final decision. This person must take into account all the process that has been going on, but feel free about this final decision too. This person is responsible for interpreting the will of God in the process the discerning group has gone through. The decision maker needs to explain well why he takes that decision and communicate it properly.
Implementation is a very important moment. The leader, together with his leadership body, needs to decide what actions will give flesh to the decision taken and begin as soon as possible to bring them forth. Discernment takes time to reflect, it is a moment of prudence and careful consideration of information and inner feelings. Implementation is the moment for straight action. It requires a new and active attitude. This is the time of the leader. This person needs to take clear actions, at the right time, in order to achieve the established goals. When this does not happen, people may feel disoriented and discouraged.
Evaluation takes place after significant actions have already been implemented and when the group can have a clear idea of what is happening. It needs to happen at the right moment. The risk might be here to do it too soon, when we cannot yet judge the effects of the implemented actions. It looks at the established objectives and goals, but it looks also at inner goals such as commitment, hope, endurance, solidarity…, to see whether there is also growth in these areas or not. It that sense, it needs to evaluate the data the group can gather. But it again needs to go deeper into the inner movements. Evaluation involves then discernment, once again, and after considering the gathered data, it can recover the discernment atmosphere that allows to share personal inner movements.
HOW
Final decision
- Power Cycle
- Life Death Resurrection
- Indifference
Celebrate the final decision as a way of reassuring the consolation we have received, as we have heard the voice of the Spirit.
Communicate in a proper manner to the different stakeholders (people that have participated and those that will become involved in the implementation) the final decision. This communication should include not only the decision as such, but the motivations for it, and the way in which the group proceeded.
Implement
- Communications plan
- Resource plan
- SMART goals
- Change management
Implementation will look very different depending on the different fields it may refer to.
Clear communication of the decision, the way in has to take place and the values we want to promote, should be addressed to the persons that will be involved in the implementation.
It is always required some kind of accompaniment and feedback of what is being done.
Evaluate
- KPIs
- Surveys
- Balanced scorecards
It involves two steps:
1) Collect objective data that cover the main areas of the implementation
2) have time for prayer and spiritual conversation in which the group shares the internal movements that they feel (consolations and desolations) about what has finally happened. The two steps are important and can lead to take new decisions.