Values and Actions

Last week I had the privilege of running a selection bootcamp for 9 students who had applied to be their school student leaders for the coming year. We set up several tasks to test aspects of their leadership:
* Team work
* Communication
* Strategy
* Problem solving
* Planning

They were clearly passionate about the school and keen for the responsibility, but what about those other qualities you want in a leader? Humility, good character, grit, strong ethics and clear values. These are a lot harder to test. We ran several activities to explore these, one of which was to see what they felt was valuable.

We gave them each a pound coin and given 5 days to increase its value and then present to us what they did to increase its value and why. As you can imagine it was fascinating. We discovered they valued:
* Monetary increase
* Volunteering at a food bank
* Creating a metaphor
* Other peoples dignity
* Bribing the selection panel for student leadership
* Giving back to those that had given to them
* Prayer
* Community
* Not taking risks
* Inspiring others to follow their actions

When you added up the number of people that were impacted by this simple challenge we discovered well over 200 people had experienced some level of changed situation.
One of the students bought a spiderman book for a pound from a charity shop, and 4 days later, after 5 exchanges, the student returned with a designer hoodie which they put of the shelf for £40. Interestingly this started a short burst of activity in the school of exchanging stuff you didn’t want for stuff you did. Great recycling!
One student, stood up and shared about how she had exchanged it for a family prayer book, which she had exchanged for prayer beads which she had determined to pray over the school regularly. It was moving to hear her talk about the power of prayer in front of the other candidates.
Another gathers as many people as she could and shared about a charity called ‘care for the children’, she then gave her pound to the charity, claiming it would help a little, but if everyone gave more than her pound, it make a huge difference…

It was brilliant reflecting on this activity with these potential student leaders and sharing the parable of the talents; considering God challenge and expectation of his creation, his co-creators and stewards. I’m sure you’re familiar with the story, but if not check it out in a bible/ online. You’ll find in the book of Matthew chapter 25 verses 14–30. It’s a great but be warned, challenging story.

If you are inspired to use your talents, whatever God has entrusted to you, please let your values guide your actions and consider volunteering, financially supporting or praying for Step’s work amongst young people. Follow the links to find out more.