402: Kingdom Impact Across 100 Nations: ICM's Blueprint for a Flourishing Culture

In this episode, we delve into how a flourishing workplace culture is intentionally developed, featuring insights from Janice Rosser Allen, CEO of ICM, the global church developer. Discover the strategies that have enabled her organization to achieve strong strategic clarity and make a significant Kingdom impact.

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In this episode:

Introduction and Mission:

• Janice introduces ICM, which focuses on nurturing believers and assisting church growth worldwide, aiming for a healthy church within walking distance of everyone globally. (02:13)

ICM’s Work and Strategy:

• ICM equips churches with resources to build their own places of worship and provides Bible resources in local languages, particularly in audio or visual formats for oral communities. (03:52)
• ICM operates in 100 nations, focusing on under-resourced countries, and partners with strong indigenous leaders and evangelical networks. (04:19)

Employee Engagement and Flourishing Culture:

• ICM conducted an Employee Engagement Survey with Best Christian Workplaces in 2022, achieving a flourishing workplace culture and high scores in sustainable strategy. (05:51)
• Janice shares that ICM's approach includes clear mission and vision statements, core values, and strategic pillars developed by the board and leadership. (09:27)
• Janice attributes their success to foundational principles, clear strategic goals, and departmental alignment. (09:57)

Practical Steps for Goal Alignment:

• Goals and strategies are communicated and reinforced at all levels. (11:25)
• Departments set quarterly goals and report progress in quarterly staff meetings. (11:59)
• Emphasis on ownership and accountability across the organization. (12:18)

Innovation and Creativity:

• Balancing goals with freedom to innovate through prayer, encouragement of spiritual gifts, and recognizing excellence. (13:39)
• ICM holds staff retreats and awards the Rock Award to acknowledge entrepreneurial and visionary efforts. (15:22)

Effective Teamwork and Communication:

• ICM has a staff covenant, developed through a collaborative process, to guide how team members work together. (20:36)
• The covenant is prominently displayed and revisited at every staff retreat. (21:12)
• Emphasis on resolving conflicts through Scripture and maintaining healthy communication, especially with remote work challenges. (21:49)

Supporting Work-Life Balance:

• ICM promotes a sense of family, celebrating life events and involving families in gatherings. (24:15)
• Introduced more flexible benefits, including additional vacation and personal days, wellness and mental-health resources, and support for new parents. (24:52)
• Engages employees in fitness activities and encourages integration of work and faith life, enhancing personal fulfillment. (26:18)

Spiritual Practices and Nourishment:

• Weekly staff devotional times with teaching, worship, and prayer, along with presentations from overseas partners. (28:15)
• A volunteer prayer team meets weekly, and departmental devotionals are held. (29:29)
• Leadership team meets bi-weekly, sharing prayer requests and supporting one another’s personal lives. (29:57)
• Worship and prayer are integral during staff retreats, reinforcing the staff covenant based on Scripture. (30:28)

Maintaining Culture Amid Growth:

• Janice highlights the challenge of retaining ICM’s culture while experiencing significant growth. (32:51)
• Intentionality is required to keep the culture alive for new staff members. (33:02)

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