The 12 Puzzle Pieces of the Catholic Leadership Puzzle
Or the 12 Principles Inherent to any leadership process
“There is nothing more powerful than a united group of souls ignited on a common cause with love at the core.”—Steven Morris, The Beautiful Business
Many folks have been asking what this whole Catholic Leadership Puzzle thing that is showing up in their email boxes and what is it all about? Simply, this is way to begin sharing and discussing the content of what will become my next book, The Catholic Leadership Puzzle.
For the Say Yes to Holiness community, the reason you are receiving these emails and podcasts and videos is because this is the next step in the evolution of Say Yes to Holiness.
Now this “next step” doesn’t mean that Say Yes to Holiness is going away.
Not at all.
Rather, this is all about building upon what Say Yes to Holiness has been doing for the last 5 years—helping inspire, encourage and accompany individuals to become the saints God created them to be—and is now seeking to help those same individuals begin to help others do the same in whatever part of God’s vineyard they find themselves—be it their families, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods and parishes.
Just as Say Yes sought to provide you a framework and a process for your personal journey towards sanctity, The Catholic Leadership Puzzle is all about providing a framework and the process to do the same in a community setting.
Bottom line, I want YOU as an individual who is striving for holiness to understand the framework and process that is needed so that everyone in your community can be inspired, encouraged and accompanied on the journey towards holiness, too.
I just did a video that outlined the twelve puzzles pieces of the Catholic Leadership Puzzle (coincidentally, the video ended up being 12 minutes long). But, in case you prefer to read things instead of watch them, or you want to have a reference (like I do), here is a listing of those 12 puzzle pieces, or guiding principles, that are inherent to any leadership process in a Catholic community. If these 12 pieces are present, then the result is a life-giving experience for the individuals and an extremely fruitful community. Therefore, along with listing each puzzle piece, I also list what the presence of that puzzle piece looks like in the life of the individual and also within the community.
Evangelizaton Cycle
Individually, this means living out your baptismal call as a missionary disciple.
Communally this means there is a powerful vision and mission to which the community is focused.
Holistic Formation
Individuals will be living a plan (or rule) of life.
The community will have a particular events and activities (human, spiritual, intellectual and apostolic) that support holistic care of the individuals within the community.
Seeking Our Best Practices
Individually this is reflected in a growth mindset.
Communally, this is expressed in the practice of proactive stewardship, the intentional use of all time, talent and treasure within the community.
Interpersonal Relationship
Individual have and continued to grow in holistic self knowledge.
Preeminent value of the person directs all interactions and activities in the recognition of the presence of Christ in each person.
Communication
Individuals have a clear, concise and direct (CCD) sense of purpose and communicate it in a clear, concise and direct manner with love and mercy
Community has a collective knowledge and understanding of its mission and its needs
Relationship Based Ministry
Individuals experience peace and unity in daily life and are an active involved with a small group of friends
Community “models the Master” by going deep with a few to foster the “ripple effect” in which those few do the same within the community
Strategic Planning
Individuals prioritize their “why” in order to experience abundance in daily life
Efficient utilization of resources (time, talent, treasure) occurs throughout the community
Time Management
Individuals utilize practices like time-blocking to create conditions for optimal performance
First Things First prioritization is evident throughout the community
Coaching/Accompaniment
Individuals serve where their unique gifts can best unlock the gifts of others as mentors, godparents, coaches, catechists, spiritual directors, etc
Idea of “Cura Personalis” guides all interactions within the community
Assessment
Individuals seeking to perform quarterly self-assessments and participating in continuous learning
Use of metrics, integrated learning and assessments are normal part of community event and activity lifecycle
Integration/Synergistic/Creative Collaboration
Unleashed creativity and opportunities aligned with the unique gifts and talents of each individual person
Complete Alignment with the Community’s Vision, Purpose and Mission
Community of Communities
Individuals are known by name, inspired, encouraged and accompanied to be who God created them to be—living, breathing, wonder-working saints
Holistic formation is part of the fabric of community life and is being lived out by each person within the community
So, this the framework upon which we now need to build knowledge and understanding so that we can then begin to implement and practice.
I look forward to your comments and also I would enjoy knowing which of these pieces you are most eager to discuss in the weeks and months ahead.
If you want to be a part of those discussions, make sure to subscribe to The Catholic Leadership Puzzle. (Subscribing is free unless you choose otherwise)
Look forward to seeing you on the inside! And if you liked this post, please share it with others!