2 min read

395: Building a Legacy: Workplace Culture and Fundraising in Higher Education

395: Building a Legacy: Workplace Culture and Fundraising in Higher Education

Today, we dive into how to maintain focus on continuous improvement in a Flourishing Workplace™ with Prairie College president Mark Maxwell. We'll explore how to build a strong employee engagement culture and sustain long-term success.

 

Listen to the Audio

 

 

 

 

 

Listen in Apple Podcasts | Listen in Spotify  | Listen in Google Podcasts

In this episode:

  • Prairie College's Mission and Student Impact
    • Prairie College aims to prepare students to meet the greatest needs of the world, often through international trips and cultural exposure. (04:16)
  • Student Stories
    • Charlotte, Mark's daughter, participated in a challenging nursing trip to the Amazon jungle, emphasizing the mission's impact. (04:32)
    • A digital-media student thrived on an international trip to Vietnam, using photography to tell impactful stories. (06:22)
  • Prairie College Overview
    • Located in Alberta, started 102 years ago by Mark’s grandfather. (07:32)
    • Current enrollment is about 480 students, with many online or in non-resident programs. (07:48)
    • Distinctive feature: all four-year majors include extensive study of the Bible. (08:14)
  • Focus on Prayer and Communication
    • Prayer Practices
      • Weekly prayer meetings were enhanced to increase participation and importance, leading to nearly 100% staff attendance. (10:25)
      • Prayer has driven team unity, gratitude, and a shared mission. (11:15)
  • Monthly Family Meetings
    • Held on the first Wednesday of every month for one hour to discuss enrollment, revenue, donations, and other important topics transparently. (12:33) 
    • Emphasis on transparency and open discussion of sensitive subjects. (13:27)
  • Leadership and Cultural Practices
    • Emphasis on Prayer
      • Regular prayer and spiritual connection are integral to the college’s culture and leadership practices. (14:55)
      • Prayer meetings are seen as essential for organizational harmony and mission clarity. (15:17)
    • Executive Team Practices
      • Executive meetings start with a song, scripture reading, and prayer. (17:19)
      • Emphasis on spiritual foundation and prayer in leadership routines. (17:30)
  • Continuous Improvement and Avoiding Complacency
    • Focus on harmony rather than unity; complementing each other's strengths. (18:33)
    • Regular assessment of new hires for cultural fit and contribution to team chemistry. (19:35)
    • Emphasis on asking for help and expressing gratitude to build a supportive work environment. (20:07)
  • Conflict Resolution and Decision-Making:
    • Mark emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where employees feel they belong and can express diverse ideas. (24:22)
    • They encourage multiple ideas and deliberate over the best options, rather than seeking unanimous decisions. (24:37)
    • Example: Faced with budget cuts, Mark felt challenged but ultimately recognized the team’s input and made successful decisions. (25:50)
  • Importance of Open Communication:
    • A culture of fear inhibits expression of ideas. Mark recommends reading "The Art of War" and "The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership." (27:42)
    • Fear has a place but should be balanced to ensure accountability without stifling innovation. (28:02)
    • Mark meets with new employees to set expectations and emphasizes the importance of character, competence, chemistry, and calling. (28:28)
  • Fundraising and Internal Culture:
    • The importance of internal culture in successful fundraising is highlighted. (32:37)
    • Mark shares the journey of raising $100 million for renovations and expansions at Prairie, crediting the groundwork of previous years in human capital development. (33:46)
    • A grassroots approach and a dedicated campaign lead contributed significantly to their fundraising success. (34:21)
  • Adapting to Change and Avoiding Ruts:
    • Mark stresses the need to avoid ruts and constantly improve processes. (37:59)
    • He discourages repetition of past methods if better alternatives exist and promotes effectiveness over professionalism. (38:43)
  • Spiritual Practices:
    • Mark shares his personal spiritual routines, emphasizing flexibility over rigidity. (40:29)
    • He listens to the Bible and aims to read through it regularly, noting the importance of engaging with scripture in a meaningful way. (40:45)
    • The management team starts meetings with a song, reflecting a unique approach to integrating spirituality at work. (44:00)

Sample-Report-Ad-1

Read the Transcript

Read a complete, word-for-word transcript of the episode

FOLLOW OUR HOST

Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn & Twitter.

Email our host at al@workplaces.org

396: Leadership Insights with Dr. Gene Habecker: Soft Skills, Trust, and Employee Development

396: Leadership Insights with Dr. Gene Habecker: Soft Skills, Trust, and Employee Development

In this episode, we're joined by leader and author Dr. Gene Habecker as he discusses the essential soft skills of leadership from his book. You'll...

Read More
389: Leadership Lessons from the Military to Liberty University (LU): Dr. Dondi Costin's Journey

389: Leadership Lessons from the Military to Liberty University (LU): Dr. Dondi Costin's Journey

Join Al Lopus in conversation with Dr. Dondi Costin, the new president of Liberty University, as they discuss the vital aspects of assessing...

Read More