407: Leading a Foster Care Ministry That Uplifts Families and Employees

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.

Listen to the Audio

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

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