Priorities
by Dr. Keith E. Webb

Everyday we sort our life according to our internal priorities. Priorities show up in our decisions.

Consider this: you wake up late and have only 10 minutes to get out the door. What do you do and what do you skip? A shower? Brushing your teeth? Coffee? Breakfast? Wii fit? I can tell you with 100% certainty that my twelve year-old son would prioritize breakfast above all else!

Our decisions reveal our priorities, sometimes to the surprise of others. Priorities emerge from our values and habits - our preferred ways of doing things. And, like values, I and others may not be fully aware of how we prioritize things.

What Would Jesus Do?
Jesus revealed his priorities through his interaction with Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus chose to go to Zacchaeus' home, thus giving him prestige and showing acceptance. The crowds became angry - Jesus honored the wrong man! Jesus clarified his priority when he explained: "For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost." Jesus' priority wasn't to honor the 'righteous' but to reach out to the lost. By clarifying his priorities, we clearly see Jesus' values.

Where to Eat?
Imagine you are with a few friends and discussing where to eat. Bob wants to go to Thai food because he hasn't eaten there in a long time. Sue wants to go somewhere cheery, maybe pizza. Karen doesn't care what kind of food as long as it's healthy. Ian doesn't want to spend more than $8. And you don't want to have to drive more than 10 minutes.

Each person has a different way of prioritizing where to eat. Bob by frequency, Sue by atmosphere, Karen by nutrition, Ian by price, and you by location. Who's right? Each, according to their own priorities!

Think of a "dump decision" you thought someone made. It's been said that no one makes a decision that - in their mind - isn't in their best interest.

Conflicts emerge when our priorities don't align with others'. Our mistake is assuming that others have the same priorities that we have. By clarifying priorities we can discover other people's decision-making grids and their values. Then we can share our own. The result will be mutual understanding and better decision-making.

How About You?

• What results do you expect from this decision? What would achieving that do for you?
  
• Help me understand your thinking, what factors did you consider to be most important in making this decision?
  
• In this situation my priorities are 1... 2... 3..., how would you evaluate the situation?

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Copyright © 2009 Keith E. Webb & CRM

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Dr. Keith E. Webb is a trainer and experienced cross-cultural leadership coach helping organizations, teams, and individuals multiply their cross-cultural impact. Find free articles at http://www.CreativeResultsManagement.com.