Christian Management Report
June 2005 Issue (Vol. 29, No. 3)
Focus: Creating Outstanding Workplaces
Title: The 2005 Best Christian Workplaces
“By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” —John 13:35, NRS
IN THIS ISSUE we address the workplace and what makes it a great place to work. Kevin Scheid, a partner with Best Christian Workplaces Institute, suggests four key things workers consider most important for a good work atmosphere: a high level of trust is maintained, employees are empowered, good management practices are valued, and authentic spiritual community is nurtured. John Throop, president of The Summit Planning Group, gives us five best practices for building high trust throughout the organization, and Stan Dobbs, president of Apartment Life, shares four factors that help nurture a healthy community life within your organization.
—DeWayne Herbrandson, Executive Editor
CONTENTS ∙ Christian Management Report (Vol. 29, No. 3, June 2005)
Human Resource Management
The Role Managers Play in Creating the Best Christian Workplaces
By Kevin Scheid, Partner, Best Christian Workplaces Institute
In this article, the author describes the key factors that, based on the most recent BCWI survey, make some Christian organizations more effective than others, according to employees themselves. They are: a high level of trust; management effectiveness; empowerment of employees; and the importance of including spirituality in the workplace environment.
Human Resource Management
The ABCs of Trust
Five Best Practices in Building Trust With Your Staff
By John Throop, President, The Summit Planning Group
In the typical workplace, the level of trust workers have for their managers is low or non-existing, says the author, who describes five effective ways for managers to build high levels of trust by their employees. They are: promoting accountability; building up one another; communicating consistently and effectively; giving clear and firm direction; and celebrate the accomplishments of their people.
Human Resource Management
Community Life in the Workplace
Factors That Contribute to Community Formation and Sustenance
By Stan Dobbs, President, Apartment Life
“What is community and what does it look like?” asks the author, as he decries the erosion of a sense of community in our homes, workplaces and even in our churches that has taken place over the past few decades. He goes on to describe the core values leaders should instill in order to create an environment of connectedness.
Management & Leadership
Building Trust and Believability
By Ronald F. Smedley, President, Synergistic Resource Associates
In communicating with employees, it’s better to it verbally than in writing, and how you say it is even more important than what you say.
Management & Leadership
Let Go, Now!
By Dave Fleming, Leadership Coach
Even though they realize it will happen one day, it’s often hard for leaders to relinquish control, says the author, who recommends several steps to do so gradually.
Human Resource Management
How to Relate to Your Workers
By Ronald F. Smedley, President, Synergistic Resource Associates
In this article, the author describes both the similarities and the differences in how Jesus related to people, and recommends he be our model in our relationships with our employees.
Human Resource Management
Building on Strengths
By Carolyn B. Thompson, President, Training Systems, Inc.
The author recommends two excellent resources to help managers identify and build on their employees’ strengths, instead of focusing on their weaknesses.
Human Resource Management
Website Feature: A Valuable HR Resource
By Ronald F. Smedley, President, Synergistic Resource Associates
An excellent online employment law resource for HR professionals may be found on the Employment Law Information Network (ELIN). The no-charge legal resource website (elinfonet.com) provides links to a wide range of employment laws, personnel policies, forms and contracts, and other pertinent materials.
Board Governance
By Dan Bolin, President, Encouragement FM
Getting new board members up to speed is important, says the author, who outlines four easy methods to help them move into positions of effectiveness starting with their very first meeting.
CEOs
By Sarah Loehndorf—An interview with Dan Dupee, President, Coalition for Christian Outreach
When a ministry’s employees are unable to clearly articulate the organization’s mission, some changes are needed. In this interview, the CCO president outlines the steps taken to develop a concrete mission statement for the organization, and define its core values.
Church Leadership
Leading With Love
By Nancy Beach, Teaching Pastor, Willow Creek Community Church
“Artists simply long to be led with love,” writes the author. “They want to know that someone attempts to understand how they’re wired, what they need to soar, and how hard it can be for them to keep doing creative work.”
Church Leadership
By Dick Towner, Executive Director, Good $ense Movement, Willow Creek Association
A key question for church leaders, says the author, is how to discern and deal with the inevitable “Good and Evil” in people – and in ourselves.
Church Leadership
Maintaining Alignment Through Mid-course Adjustments (Part 3)
By Les Taylor, President/CEO, Achievement Solutions, LLC
In this third and final article in a series, the author describes the principle of maintaining alignment by making mid-course adjustments to keep the ministry moving in the right direction.
Church Financial Management
By Dan Busby, Vice President, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
The most frequent church financial questions the author is asked include the following topics: the distribution of financial information; receipt requests for donated services; and how to process donations designated for a foreign charity.
Financial Management
Relief Efforts Raise Grantmaking Issues
By Mark Yoder, Senior Manager, Capin Crouse, LLP
Overseas relief efforts, especially those related to victims in the tsunami-afflicted area of the world, have raised some key issues and heightened the need for proper due diligence in managing international grant-making activities.
tax & legal trends
By Charles M. (Chip) Watkins, Attorney, Webster, Chamberlain & Bean
“Ministries,” cautions the author, “are subject to an increasing degree of scrutiny regarding their financial, management and fundraising activities.” His advice: “Appoint your CCO now!”
Fund Development
Marketing Intelligence
The Strategic Advantage in Data Mining
By Rory Starks, Senior Vice President, Masterworks
The old “tried and true” marketing and fundraising strategies are no longer as effective as they once were, and a new approach is called for, says the author, citing examples of how marketing intelligence can help Christian nonprofits create more net income.
Marketing
Moving Beyond Branding to “Citizenship”
By Brian Kagan, Principal, The Elevation Group
This article includes a brief review of the book, Citizen Brand, in which author Marc Gobé describes the need for organizations today to develop the kinds of brand strategies that evoke stronger consumer affinity.
marketing
Say Hello to the “Nouveau Niche”
By Gary Foster, President, Gary D. Foster Consulting
“Is your organization nimble or flexible enough to partner with this kind of donor?” asks the author, referring to the so-called Nouveau Niche, a web-savvy market segment of donors and consumers who expect every good, service and experience to address their unique needs and wants.
Information Technology
By Nick Nicholaou, President, Ministry Business Services, Inc.
The responsibility for overseeing your ministry’s website is best left with the IT team, recommends the author, who offers helpful tips on website design, hosting and content.
Christian Management Partners
By Mark Cutshall—An interview with John Sage, President/Co-founder, Pura Vida Coffee Company
In the next 12 months, his company will serve up 25 million cups of coffee at churches and colleges, reports John Sage, co-founder of this unique company, a for-profit business wholly owned by a public charity. Sage, who also serves on the Christian Management Partners Board of Advisors, explains that all his company’s net profits are earmarked for mission and ministry to coffee growers and their families, including thousands of at-risk children.
Management Rules of Thumb
The Bigger Idea and the Bigger Ideal
By John Pearson, President/CEO, Christian Management Association
“Great managers and leaders create a culture of volunteerism by their own example,” writes the author. “They’re givers, not takers. And that volunteer spirit is replicated by their team members—and everybody wins.”
