Changing Organizational Structures

The structure of your organization might need to be changed. The rule of thumb, according to Tom Morris, is keep it as simple as possible for as long as possible. 

When do you know you need to add another level of structure to your organization?

Here are the three tell-tale signs it's time to add structure:

1)   Bottlenecks and back-ups- Are there bottlenecks & back-ups in the system? Do leaders need to jump through so many hoops to implement an idea, that they become discouraged and stop trying all together?

2)  Burn out and burden carrying- Are there people in your organization that are burning out? They appear to have lost their passion and have no more energy. Do they look like they are carrying around the weight of the world with no hope of change in the near future? They arrive late for meetings, they no longer stay late because they love their job, they stay late because they are less productive.

3)  Broken communication and busted relationships- Broken communication can be as simple as the words we use. You will hear "I" instead of "us".  The fallout of busted relationships hinder the ability of people to work together. Leaders begin to step back from leadership without an explanation; it is easier to walk away than be honest and strain the relationship any further.

When it is time to make changes, the changes should provide clarity, accountability and exceptional performance.

S

4 Steps in Creating Value in Non-Profit Communication

One of the most difficult aspects of communication in the non-profit arena is creating value.
Organizations can be extremely good at communicating the facts of how, what and when but when it comes to the the why we fall short. The "Why" is where value is created. Here are four tips in creating value:

1) identify a clear vision and purpose for your communication. If you don't know the outcomes you desire, neither will others.

2) establish the benefits for the consumer. No matter your industry, people always want to know what is in it for them.

3) use words that inspire and create. People want to participate in something that is bigger than themselves. Use words to describe the vision and purpose both factually and emotionally.

4) be clear on how you would like people to respond. Always give clear instructions on the invitation and the response needed to participate.

Great communication is like silver and gold; the rest is worthless.https://twitter.com/JoCannon

God doesn't change like shifting shadows

'...the Father of the heavenly lights...does not change like shifting shadows.' James 1:17

The Rise & Build Gala theme for 2013 is Treading on New Heights. I love the imagery, the sun the moon, the planets and stars. Unlike these most powerful elements of nature, God the Father doesn't change.  

Did you know we are considered His "firstfruits"of creation? We are made in His image, if we are made in His image, surely we too are called to be consistent. 

Consistent: Unchanging in achievement or effect over a period of time.  Are you unchanging? Do you shift like shadows when times become difficult or challenging? There are times when we all experience fear, anger, frustration and ineffectiveness; but in our weaknesses the Lord makes us strong. When we can come to Jesus and admit our changing ways, He alone is there as a constant reminder of who he is and what he has done; rather than reflecting on who we are and what we have done or left undone.

Join us for a memorable evening of reflecting on His unchanging love for us, His church-on Sept. 28, Saturday at C3 Church Calgary West-91 Commercial Court, Calgary, AB at 5:30 PM. For tickets please call 403.686.0608.

JC's Business Principles Mark 6:35-44

Feeding 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish is miraculous.

As Jesus looked on the crowd with compassion; the disciples were asked to step out and trust Jesus to supply their dietary needs.

The business principles used in feeding the 5000 are powerful and relevant today!

1) The disciples asked if they should spend 8 months wages to feed the 5000.

They had 8 months wages saved.

2) Continually give thanks for what we have, don't look at what we don't have.

3) He organized the crowd so all needs would be met; no need is too small.

4) How we use our resources, should reflect the heart of God. They should be used to serve a needy world with compassion.

5) When we act in faith and thankfully give there is always more than enough.

Thank God for His generous provision for your life!

Relationships, not issues...

The apostle Paul was an amazing communicator. He got things done and he moved mightily in the power of the Holy Spirit. He was a risk taker, a church planter and a leader. But throughout his ministry he always kept close contact with the churches & their believers. He was always people focused; he never lost sight of what his true purpose and ministry was...to love.

We need risk takers with big visions; we need entrepreneurs with huge plans and we need courageous & ambitious church planters with purpose. But we can never afford to put plans ahead of people.

We are called to love God and love people..."to be imitators of Christ Jesus".

Let us build His Church based on loving relationships.

Mercy

God is so good and faithful. He is not looking for me to do anything except give mercy and acknowledge Him. In my busyness I want to be full of Him & His love. I will show mercy today in every opportunity, not because it gives me something but out of my relationship with God.

Have a mercy filled day, week and year. Joanne

Hope

Living My Best Life as a wife, mom, sister, friend, daughter and a breast cancer conqueror is not about "Who Am I" it is about "Whose Am I".

Living My Best Life means having Living Hope. I recently spoke at our C3 Church.

If you would like to hear about my Living Hope please click on the link below:

http://big-interactive.com/c3/index.php?option=com_kapod&task=view&id=68&Itemid=221