Our CM team is Healthy and happy

Your Question:

“How can I make sure that those who serve on our CM team stay happy?”

The Issues:

In order to care for the needs of the CM team, we must understand human nature.  God created us all with the same needs.  People need encouragement, care, patience and understanding.  People can put out tremendous energy if they believe the goal is “worth it.”  People crave encouragement and rewards. Without consistent encouragement and rewards, humans become exhausted, discouraged, and they will quit. 

Scripture Foundation:

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15: 58

Short Answer:

All too often, we focus our attention on recruiting new CM team members and neglect to encourage those who are currently serving.  People will stay where their needs are being met, even if the work is difficult.  In every CM team member there is a “balance scale” that mentally measures the required “output” (time, energy, sacrifices, etc.) in perspective to the “rewards” or “fruit” of the work.  It is dangerous to assume that every CM team member has such a high level of servant-heart passion that they don’t ever need encouragement or thanks.  Remember that the CM team members are human.  Humans will give out significant energy for the sake of a vision; but we all have limits.  If the CM team is being expected to give time and energy without encouragement, thanks, or hope of a break, they can easily become, as we say, “burned out.”  “Burnout” is a common danger for passionate people.  Passionate people need accessible goals and regular rest periods.  To expect CM team members to work consistently without any scheduled time of rest is unrealistic.  In order to keep the CM team happy and healthy, you need to plan regular social gatherings, significant training, and scheduled time off.  This “time off” can be accomplished through a rotational schedule that provides the team members “time off” monthly or after a few months of service.  For more help, click on the links below.

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