By Bernard Dumond, President & CEO of Catholic Vitality 360

“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may eventually become wise.”
 - Proverbs 19:20

Let’s Talk Visionary Leadership

Throughout the Old Testament Book of Proverbs, we are treated to a collection of verses that offer guidance and instruction on living a good earthly life, while honoring the glory of God. As the above quote illustrates, true wisdom comes from listening and applying valuable instruction to our temporal and spiritual life. 

An essential component in Catholic Vitality 360’s framework for success, the Seven Circles of Catholic Vitality, Visionary Leadership requires the ability to create and advance a thriving atmosphere of engagement and respect. For parish and school leaders, please consider the following ten (10) elements of Visionary Leadership:

• Element #1: Visionary Leaders are Collaborative and Open to New Ideas

• Element #2: Visionary Leaders are Respectful and Uphold the Dignity of All 

• Element #3: Visionary Leaders Inspire Others with a Strategic Vision for the Future

• Element #4: Visionary Leaders are Good Listeners and Respond to Key Issues

• Element #5: Visionary Leaders are Servant Leaders with High Standards

• Element #6: Visionary Leaders Build Trust through Quality, Consistent Communication

• Element #7: Visionary Leaders Maintain a Strong Spiritual Life

• Element #8: Visionary Leaders Hold Themselves and Others Accountable

• Element #9: Visionary Leaders Work Hard and Give Credit to Others

• Element #10: Visionary Leaders Sustain a Culture of Innovation, Growth and Vitality

Not limited to the pastor and school principal, visionary leadership can (and must) come from faculty, staff, leadership groups, students, ministry leaders and volunteers. Take a moment to review the above elements and assess where you are as a leader and how you can apply this mindset to your ministry and position within the parish and school. 

Having Critical Conversations

As outlined in the above elements, Visionary Leaders understand human dynamics and the critical importance of quality communication. The ability to have ongoing critical conversations with your stakeholders promotes trust and allows leaders to identify key issues and to adequately respond. 

One of the key strategies in building a culture of engagement and vitality that we have utilized at Catholic Vitality 360 is to conduct a series of Listening Sessions in your parish and school. The definition of a Listening Session is a one-hour gathering/meeting in small groups that are facilitated by the Parish Council, Advisory Council, board members or volunteers that seeks input on a specific topic or with general questions. These 6-7 sessions can be conducted to gather input on a particular issue or for the creation of a pastoral or strategic vision. Here are the steps in organizing and executing parish and school Listening Sessions:

• Step #1: Parish and School Leadership Decides to Conduct Listening Sessions

• Step #2: Listening Session Facilitation Team is Assembled and Trained 

• Step #3: Listening Session Facilitation Team is organized into three Subcommittees:

• Handouts/Printed Material

• Event Logistics 

• Marketing and Communication

• Step #4: Subcommittees Meet to Determine Dates/Times/Locations, Questions and Marketing

• Step #5: Listening Session Facilitation Team Confirms Key Questions for Input:

• Question #1: What is working well at our parish and/or school?

• Question #2: What are the areas of improvement at our parish and/or school?

• Question #3: As you look to the future, the next 1-3-5 years, what is your vision for our parish and/or school?

• Step #6: Event Logistics Subcommittee Confirms all Session Logistics 

• Step #7: Marketing and Communication Subcommittee Executes Marketing Strategy

• Step #8: Handouts/Printed Material Subcommittee Creates and Copies all Handouts

• Step #9: All Listening Sessions are Conducted and Input is Recorded on Flip Charts.

• Following a Presentation on the State of the Parish and/or School, small groups (10-15 people) are assembled with the facilitator, scribe and timekeeper with guidelines:

• We would like to hear from everyone.

• Please respect everyone’s opinion.

• This is not a complaint session, but please voice any concerns.

• We will not discuss personalities.

• This is not a debate and we are here to listen and learn.

• We will review all comments shared in this session.

• We will end and complete the session on time.

• Feel free to add additional comments in writing and return Input Form.

• Step #10: All input is Recorded and Report is Shared with Response and Next Steps

When properly executed, with a full report and responsive action, the feedback on the Listening Sessions has been extremely positive. The key is listening, not debating and then honoring the input by sharing the feedback and moving this into a workable plan of action. If any part of this is violated, the sessions can actually have a negative effect. So do this well, invite everyone, listen and respond. People do like sharing their opinion and this can be an exciting catalyst for engagement and the creation of a dynamic strategic vision. Let me know what happens and if you need more information or explanatory documents. Onward!

We Can Help

Here at Catholic Vitality 360, it is our ministry to serve your needs. Our mission is your vitality. All of the processes we share in our writings, videos and Zoomcast, THE CIRCLE are available to you. Check out our website and YouTube Channel for great content or call me with questions and insights that you may have.

You are not alone in this work and we are happy to help. We consider you and your parish/school a vitality partner with us as we navigate building the Kingdom of God. Our proven approach will provide clarity, a working plan and a proven system that produces impressive results and engages more people in the life of the parish/school.

Engage others, share this dynamic vision, create a collaborative team and build ongoing vitality.

This will take time, patience, persistence, perseverance and PRAYER.

Do not fear, we walk in Faith and this is God’s work. 

Be Good and Do Good.