Corporate research suggests it takes up to $100,000 to recruit and train the best staff. Quality Pastors from healthy churches tell me it takes up to three years for them to be fully integrated, respected and loved by their people. Hence, those numbers may be realistic for churches as well.
We also know, “A Gallup study found that when people leave their companies (churches), 65% of them are actually leaving their Managers (Pastors or leaders).” It’s your Ship: Management Techniques from the best ship in the Navy by Michael Abrashoff.
How much do you know about each of your volunteers? “He knew each of the eighty men aboard by name. He asked them about their wives and families; which baseball team they liked best or where they went to school.” Portraits of Integrity; Real People who demonstrated Godly Character by Marilyn Boyer and Grace Tumas.
Do your volunteers know how much you appreciate their dedication? “As a manager (Pastor, Board Chair), the one signal you need to steadily send to your people is how important they are to you. In fact, nothing is more important to you. Realize your influence, and use it wisely. Be there for your people. Find out who they are. Recognize the effects you have on them and how you can make them grow taller.” It’s your Ship: Management Techniques from the best ship in the Navy by Michael Abrashoff
Do each of your staff and volunteers know and accept their role as critical to the long term health of your church? “I tried to establish a personal relationship with each crew member. I wanted to link our goals, so that they would see my priority of improving Benfold as an opportunity for them to apply their talents and give their jobs real purpose.” It’s your Ship: Management Techniques from the best ship in the Navy by Michael Abrashoff.
In the corporate world, I had 1000 people looking to my office for leadership. In order to get the job done, I had a staff of 17. I knew all their names. But, I didn’t know their birthdays, anniversaries or families. Hmm! I should have been a more encouraging CEO.
Leadership is … a dedicated staff of volunteers who are fully dedicated to the health of their church because you are their biggest cheerleader.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group