The Courage to Be: Authenticity vs. Survival

Breaking the Binary challenges conventional nonprofit thinking by exploring nuanced solutions to seemingly black-and-white problems. In our first episode, "The Courage to Be: Authenticity vs. Survival," we tackle a fundamental tension many nonprofit leaders face: how to stay true to organizational values while ensuring sustainability in challenging political and funding landscapes.

Key Concepts Explored:

• The false binary between organizational values and survival
• How existential philosophy offers tools for understanding authentic choice
• Sartre's concepts of freedom and responsibility
• de Beauvoir's notion of "situated freedom"
• The danger of "bad faith" in organizational decision-making

The Spheres of Authentic Action Framework:Tekoah introduces a practical decision-making framework with three concentric circles:

1. Core Values sphere - The fundamental principles and impact that your organization is committed to creating
2. Strategic Flexibility sphere - Where language and presentation can shift while core work remains constant
3. Creative Possibilities sphere - Where constraints drive innovation and new approaches

Thought Experiment:The episode includes a guided reflection for listeners to apply the framework to their own organizational challenges, helping them distinguish between core values and strategic flexibility.

About the Host:Tekoah brings a unique perspective that blends philosophical inquiry with practical nonprofit leadership experience, creating a show that challenges binary thinking and explores nuanced approaches to complex challenges.

Resources Mentioned:

• Existential philosophers Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir
• Concepts of authenticity, choice, and "situated freedom"
• The Spheres of Authentic Action framework for organizational decision-making
• The Spheres of Authentic Action Team Discussion Guide
• Spheres Visual

Connect With Me:

Website: https://allvoicescoaching.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tekoah-b-boatner/