When requested to list my three most protected values, I listed equality, Christ-centered practice and family-centered practice. The time spent prioritizing and clarifying these values helped me understand my most valued beliefs. It helped me understand what things I would be willing to compromise on and on which values I would be unwilling to compromise.
In the area of equality, I feel that all persons should be treated equally and allowed equal opportunities to engage in the workplace. I do not feel that race, sexual orientations, gender, disability, or age should be a factor in the hiring of an individual. I also do not believe someone should be denied the right to work at an establishment solely on religious beliefs. However, if an individual chooses to work for an establishment that is founded and formed under religious beliefs, it would be logical that they can either choose to work in that establishment and not engage in those beliefs or choose to work elsewhere. This means, for example, that if an individual practices Buddhism and requires the ability to take a break and meditate or chanting mantras aloud, they are more than welcome to do so. However, expecting that others in the establishment also engage in the practice of these religious exercises.This would require a high level of mutual respect and appreciation for diversity during decision-making.
Christ-centered practice. This protected value is central to all of the other values. In the Bible, God commands us to love one another with equality. He commands us to respect each other and value family first. Therefore the other two protect values flow from the Christ-centered expectation. By having such a bold stance for Christ, there will undoubtedly be a high level of adversity and possibly persecution faced, especially if the organization is based in a secular market. This is similar to the current media stories that surround Chick fil A. However, the owner and founder of the business never compromised his beliefs regardless of what media or legal implications it may bring to hold to these protected values. In operating with a Christ-centered mentality, it would actually make the decision making process much easier. Christ never once values money, fame or comfort over glorifying God. He knew it would take sacrifice and hard work, but it would be worth every moment. In the same, by keeping the teachings of Christ central to each decision, it makes deciding much easier. God's word, thankfully, is pretty black and white on many of the day to day decisions that are required of a leader.
Family-centered practice. While it is not an easy thing to do, it is something that is upheld in the Bible and expected of any Christ-centered leader. God commanded us to love Him and then love our spouses and families. In 1 Timothy 5:8 scripture states, "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." If an employee were to request time off to care for a loved one during a time of need, it would be foolish to deny the request and still try to claim a Christ-centered practice as a protected valued. God is very clear that families are to come first and should be our evidence of faith in Him. Even for the individual that may not be part of a biological family, they may have close friends that have fulfilled the purpose of family. The same regard should be honored in these cases. Even if these beliefs are taken advantage of and abused, I would rather have that than be accused of not being family-centered. The decision-making process would not be difficult in this regard, as anything that requires the care of a family member would be held as precedent over work task completion.
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