Curated Questions: Conversations Celebrating the Power of Questions! A Fork, A Precipice, A Decision | Ken Woodward #27
Host Ken Woodward shares a personal and professional dilemma faced upon receiving an unexpected resignation offer from his government employer. Reflecting on extensive conversations and internal contemplation, Ken explores the strengths and vulnerabilities of his situation.
Highlighting the obstacles and emotional turmoil faced while deciding to stay the course or resign, Ken raises numerous thought-provoking questions and discusses the considerations influencing his final decision. Through analyzing the risks and rewards, Ken aims to inspire others to leverage questioning for personal growth and decision-making even in uncertain times.
Episode Notes
[01:14] Unexpected Email from Employer
[05:49] The Deferred Resignation Program
[06:34] Initial Reactions and Concerns
[08:01] Evaluating the Offer
[08:21] Enhanced Standards of Conduct
[08:55] Personal Reflections and Concerns
[12:21] Seeking Advice and Making a Decision
[13:01] Option One: Do Not Resign
[14:56] Option Two: Resign
[16:44] Insights from Conversations
[21:30] Making The Decision
[23:51] Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Resources Mentioned
The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson
Brian Fretwell at Finding Good
The Thought Leaders Practice by Matt Church
Questions Asked
Is it legitimate, and can it be trusted?
How are you feeling?
What questions come to your mind?
Where does your mind go?
Are you seeking safety?
Would this have been an adrenaline rush as you raced to send the resignation response?
What an "enhanced standard" regarding loyalty and trustworthiness was?
What are these new "enhanced standards?"
Are they beyond what my Constitutional oath requires?
If I don't resign, how bright will the target on my back glow?
My leadership has supported all my work, but would termination direction come from higher up the chain of command?
What would you recommend if we talked over coffee?
What questions would you ask?
How would you use listening?
How would you use silence?
How is this scenario playing out in your mind and body?
What is coming to the surface for you?
How might that influence what you are about to say to me?
What are the chances of my name popping on a list and getting fired?
How about the chances of being part of an official Reduction in Force and early retirement?
Would the administration make a better offer?
What do I know about the pending job market?
What did I expect the workplace to be like and did I want to be there as the contractions took place?
Will the administration pay me through the end of September or will they renege?
Can I sufficiently build the Curated Questions business to transition by 1 October? -
Do I have the faith or confidence to step into this future as a sole practitioner and grow Curated Questions into all I envisioned?
Was this purpose calling?
What would I expect the job market to look like at the end of summer if I hadn't developed the income streams to maintain our lifestyle?
What is your recommendation?
Did it change from your initial recommendation?
Where in your body are you feeling the uncertainty?
Are you processing this scenario in parallel with your decision as if you had received the email?
What additional questions should I have considered?
Who else should I have consulted with?
How would you have changed my risk rating?
What is the correct length of the pregnant pause before making an important announcement?
What processes would you use in my circumstance, and what would be different?
What questions are at the top of your list to get to a decision?
Who would be the members of your pantheon you would counsel with to gain clarity?
Apart from the heady analysis, what other key practices would you include in your journey through a similar situation?