Most people involved in Christian community work spend time managing staff and/or volunteers. Some would say that their role has become primarily about managing others and although they would like to be good managers, they struggle.  Although there is often the best of intentions, the reality is that often the busyness and pressure of work leads to a lack of clarity about roles.  Too often the situation is not addressed and continues to spiral downwards, leading to disillusionment and contributing to bitterness.  The sad reality is that often poor management can severely damage the church's mission.   

There is hope, though!  Livability’s Community Mission team (formerly the Shaftesbury Society) has joined the Diocese of London to offer a day of learning and practical solutions.  Both organisations have worked with many church leaders and community projects and we know that with an openness to change, any church or project can hugely improve how they manage and support people.   Don't worry; this day is not about unrealistic or complex business models that are not geared to churches. It is about how we can learn and apply simple techniques which help communication and build strong working relationships. 

We have made this day less expensive than other management training days we have hosted in order to allow those with limited budgets to attend. 

What will this day focus on? 
The basics: what you need to know before you employ someone
Addressing problems as they arise
How to live through and even thrive through difficult conversations
Letting go of guilt- you can become a better manager! 

Who is facilitating this day? 
Brian Watts is in a unique position to facilitate a day about managing staff. He co-leads a church on the Doddington estate in Battersea and is the founder of Karis, a company that provides specialised training on leadership and team development. Brian facilitated a similar day for us in 2004 and many people who attended have commented since then on how practically helpful they found the day.  

This is what one person had to say after the last day that Brian led:

“Role playing really got to the nub of our weaknesses, which was of course enabled by very good teaching beforehand” 

Is this a repeat of the last "Are you Managing" day? 
We hosted a day last year facilitated by Nick Wright and this day will be slightly different but will contain similar themes.  This will be a very similar day, though, to the one that Brian Watts facilitated for us in 2004 so if you attended that day then we would recommend coming if you would like brush up on the skills that we discussed but if you are looking for something different then this will probably not be quite right. If you did come and enjoyed it then we’d appreciate if you invited others you know who could benefit.  Please feel free to call Jill Clark on 020 7452 2018 if you are not sure if this is for you. 

How do I book and pay? 
Fee: £20/person, including lunch to be paid on the day however booking is essential.
Please contact Jill Clark on 020 7452 2018 or jclark@livability.org.uk