In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan Stanton, CEO of Compass, to explore the transformative impact of Inspirational Leadership in fostering a flourishing workplace culture. Ryan shares powerful insights on directional clarity, emotional and spiritual formation of employees, and the intentional steps that have fueled his organization’s growth and Kingdom impact.
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In this episode:
Introduction and Mission Overview
- Al Lopus introduces Ryan Stanton, CEO of Compass, highlighting Ryan's background and Compass' mission to support foster families and families in crisis in Nebraska. (02:34)
- Ryan shares a powerful impact story where two children in foster care, placed with their grandparents, were introduced to a local church community, leading to the entire family's spiritual transformation. (04:27)
Employee Engagement and Communication
- Compass is recognized for its strong employee engagement, particularly in explaining decisions openly to staff. (07:31)
- Ryan discusses the importance of open communication within his organization. (08:07)
- Regular leadership and team meetings ensure decisions are communicated and understood by everyone. (08:32)
Core Values: Speaking with HEART
- Compass encourages speaking with honor, empathy, assertiveness, respect, and tact (HEART), which builds a strong, cohesive team. (09:13)
- Compass fosters a culture of assertive communication, especially with younger or less experienced employees. (10:11)
Goal Clarity and Directional Focus
- Ryan explains Compass' emphasis on setting clear organizational goals and reinforcing them through regular team meetings. (11:40)
- Every 90 days, they hold all-staff gatherings to review progress and set priorities for the next quarter. This fosters accountability, trust, and organizational integrity. (11:56)
Creating a Healthy Workplace
- Ryan shares how Compass promotes employee well-being by encouraging physical health and work-life balance. This includes a wellness policy that reimburses staff for gym memberships or wellness programs, helping them take care of themselves so they can better serve others. (15:32)
Supporting Staff and Preventing Burnout
- Providing opportunities for staff to attend national and state summits, training events, and connect with like-minded organizations. (22:00)
- Encouraging staff through quarterly meetings that include devotionals and impact stories to share hope and positive momentum. (23:18)
- Hosting team-building activities such as celebration breakfasts, shared meals, training days, and fun days to foster team health. (24:04)
- Utilizing prayer groups, weekly all-staff prayer sessions, and a group chat for sharing prayer requests to provide spiritual and emotional support. (24:54)
Fostering Healthy Family Dynamics in Foster Care
- Intentional focus on church attendance and date nights to maintain a strong connection with God and spouse (26:47).
- Prioritizing relationships with biological children as part of the family’s ministry in foster care (27:12).
- Building an informal support system through church small groups and family friends to help with meals, transportation, and other needs (27:35).
Leadership Development and Influence
- Ryan’s leadership development was influenced by his parents, teachers, coaches, and leadership programs like Boys State and John Maxwell seminars (30:12).
- Emphasizing the importance of excellence in leadership as a testimony and a way to influence others positively (30:56).
- Ryan's ongoing growth as a leader involves reading, listening to podcasts, and continually learning (31:41).
Spiritual Growth and Leadership
- Ryan’s reflections on faith from Matthew 8 and 9, highlighting the importance of faith in leadership and prayer (34:03).
- Ryan encourages praying not only for wisdom but also for increased faith, trusting God’s work in leadership (35:28).
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