Staff retreats

[[Admin] danroth]

Originally Posted by JimDeLa

Judging by the responses to my original post, basically to shut up and enjoy it, I should probably not expect to be treated like a professional when working for a religious organization. And I think that's a shame.

That's a matter of perspective.

If you believe the retreat was a waste of time, and poorly timed for a busy time of year, then you should definitely share that with your employer. Additionally, if the "surprise" element of it doesn't work for you, then you should also share that with your employer - a good manager will want to know such things in order to get the most out of their employees.

That said, both workplaces and employees vary quite a bit. While a retreat like what you describe may seem to be a complete waste of time to you - others may have left renewed and refreshed, and will perform better for it.

I've also always understood that part of being a professional (unless self-employed) is to follow your employer's agenda, and not your own.

[jashford]

it is difficult... no it's impossible to have a successful retreat when "Team" members are fighting your every move. My suggestion is to get 100% behind your leader and watch God do miraculous things.....

[JimDeLa]

Hold on here. Let's get a few things straight.

I am NOT fighting with my boss on EVERY issue. Quite the contrary. I take issue with that characterization.

The only issue being addressed here is of the value of open-ended, unfocused staff retreats for a group of people who already know each other pretty well. I didn't think it was productive. That's it, really.

Having said that, I also think dissent in important and necessary on occasion, in order to point out alternatives or warn the captain of the iceberg dead-ahead. Disagreements are not always a bad thing. That view may put me in the minority here, I realize. Perhaps the dynamic here (this is a regional denominational office, not a congregation) is different. Maybe my years in secular newsrooms have given me a different perspective on things.

Please don't paint me as a malcontent because i'm not afraid to tell someone in a corner office "Gee, I wouldn't do that if I were you..."

[[Director] Joseph B]

I have to agree with Jim on this issue. We are often asked to do things by people who have little or no understanding of what it is we really do. Even when we tell them why, they often demand that we simply "do it and don't worry".
Sometimes things work out, most times they don't but at least I gave them good advice (or at least the best I could offer), which they choose to ignore.
When things don't work and they want to know why - I repeat what I told them in the first place, I don't (and refuse) to apologize for others not taking good advice, doing what they should, etc.

[FlamHappy]

Run for it!

- Just kidding.