Developing a Healthy Staff Culture: The Process

Today, we conclude our blog series on developing a healthy staff culture.  This process is based on the method Jesus used with his disciples.  This can be used with volunteers (like the disciples), paid staff, even your family.  Here it is:

Step 1: Identify and invest in leaders you believe in.

He gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

Jesus then provides his men with a huge opportunity—to preach the gospel and heal the sick. As a leader, you have an abundance of responsibility and a capable team that can help you accomplish your goals. Continuously ask yourself: “Where can I begin to release more and more of my leadership?” This will free up time for you to focus on developing your leaders.

Step 2: Provide leadership development opportunities.

When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida.

In this passage, Jesus rounds up his men to debrief on their experience. This is the most important part of the leadership development cycle. In these moments Jesus was coaching his men. For both church and lay leaders, it is not enough to simply delegate your workload. The real value in each leadership opportunity is the lesson learned. As a leader, your insight and input into these experiences is what will catapult your apprentices to the next level.

How much of your time are you devoting to coaching those you have identified as potential leaders?

Step 3: Become more of a coaching leader.

Remember, leadership development is not a one-time task. The more consistently you integrate these opportunities into the culture of your work environment, the more prepared your leaders become. Don’t look at this leadership development cycle as another time-absorbing task. While you’re investing in your leaders, not only are you raising the level of leadership in your organization, your team is accomplishing quality work.

Step 4: Repeat often.