Growing as Servant Leaders A Source of Life and Renewal for L’Arche

1. Growing as Servant LeadersA Source of Life and Renewal for L’Arche For Review & Input with Community Leadership May & June 2012

2. Servant Leadership Focus for Growing as Servant Leaders Program • The diagnostic activities of 2011 (surveys, interviews, analysis, working sessions) showed that a leadership gap at L’Arche Canada exists for those leaders who support core members • The materials and practices for core members are already in place but not as effectively for those who support them • Therefore the focus of the Growing as Servant Leaders program will be on those who support core members • Assistants • House Leaders • Board Members • Family • Community Leaders • Homes Coordinator • Program Leaders • Assistant Coordinators • National Coordinators • Alumni • Volunteers • Friends • Members • Regional Coordinators

3. Servant Leadership Leadership ranges from the simple to the complex • “effective action taken towards an outcome” • Effective = makes a positive difference • Action = from a smile to running an organization; a moment or a year • Taken = doing it rather than just thinking it • Towards = part of a journey; don’t need to get to the end in one step • Outcome = an implicit or explicit purpose

4. Servant Leadership A Major Change Effort • The diagnostic activities of 2011 indicated a major change effort would be required to achieve this vision • Developing leadership is too important to leave until later • This has been named as the number one priority and main focus for L’Arche Canada over the next 3 years • Communities must be involved in shaping the solutions • A dedicated team has been put in place to lead this effort

5. Servant Leadership Model

6. Servant Leadership Driven by Mission and Identity The Identity of L’Arche We are people with and without intellectual disabilities, sharing life in communities belonging to an international federation. Mutual relationships and trust in God are at the heart of our journey together. We celebrate the unique value of every person and recognise our need of one another Our Mission is to… Make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities revealed through mutually transforming relationships Foster an environment in community that responds to the changing needs of our members whilst being faithful to the core values of our founding story. Engage in our diverse cultures, working together toward a more human society.

7. Servant Leadership Why a Servant Leadership Model • Why Servant? • To be of service; to serve; stewardship • To act, lead and live out the Mission and Identity of L’Arche • Jean Vanier sees himself as a servant leader for a mission that was given to him • Why a Leadership Model? • To reinforce key values, mission and vision of L’Arche • To clarify how these are translated into action • To continuously call out their importance

8. V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 Servant Leadership Developing the Servant Leadership Model Servant Leadership Model Communities Core Members Regional Coordinators Mission Jean Vanier Writing Community Leaders December 2011 March April/May June September October 2012

9. Develop the Model Community by Community “Names the key elements of our culture and calls out their importance” Are these the key elements of Servant Leadership at L’Arche? Are any considerations missing? Are any unimportant? Would you change any of the descriptions? Provide feedback to Amy Demoulin (demoulin@larchetoronto.org) or Janet Maclaren (j.maclaren@rogers.com) • Assistants • Current Leaders • Core Members • Communities

10. Foster a True Community Create an environment where everyone shares life in hope, security and communion “Community is a sign that love is possible” Considerations Warm, friendly, embrace new members, inviting to family and visitors, everyone participates, all are included, hospitality How are you welcoming? Rejoice, a cry of hope, affirms we are in this together, suspends time, transforms day to day life, reveals and creates community How do you celebrate? How do you bring traditions to life? How do you foster morale? How do you create space and time? How do you belong? Recognizable rhythm of life, familiar routines, sharing meals, sharing stories, everyone participates, fosters bonding Bring out the best in everyone, together you are something more, build atmosphere of trust and mutual affection Allow for reflection, downtime and growth; a manageable pace, set priorities, make choices Bring your own identity, commit to community, membership 2014-06-05 For Discussion 10

11. Celebrate the Unique and Sacred Value of Each Person Honour every person for their unique being “Do we believe in the infinite value of each human being?”Jean Vanier Considerations How fully do you honour the sacred value of each person? How carefully do you celebrate each person? How do you care for each person? Build dignity, treat each person as special, affirm, accept them as you find them, let them choose their path, involve them in decisions that affect them, support them in living to their fullest potential, make known their gifts, support them to live as equal partners in carrying out Mission and Identity of L’Arche Celebrate significant events, name their gifts, share their stories, call them to membership Attentive to their needs, gentle, tender, Welcoming of people of different cultures, intellectual abilities, personalities, social ways, religions, racial backgrounds: lack of prejudice, learning approach, curious, open, adaptable How agreeably do you embrace diversity? Celebrating differences teaches that at heart we are all the same, diversity can be more beautiful, build energy and bring synergy How do you value the unity that our differences illuminate? 2014-06-05 For Discussion 11

12. Open to Mutually Transforming Relationships Share life in deep reciprocal relationship “Reciprocal, mutual exchanges that honour our common humanity” 2010 L’Arche Annual Report Considerations How are you open to being loved? Accept your vulnerability and fragility, let your feet be washed, let your heart be touched, hold the desire to enter into relationship, can you receive the love offered? Can you surrender control to the power of a deep relationship? How do you love? Compassionate, deeply empathetic, devoted, respectful, caring, tender, want the best for the other person, gratuitous in spirit, reflect their beauty, offered freely, agape How are you present? Really be there, meet the other heart, intentional, keep the door to your heart open; life sharing How are you able to commit? Continued choice to be in relationship, extended effort over time, honour relationship by announcing it How are you transformed by the struggle and love of mutual relationship? Allow yourself to be changed, know that challenge can be the seed of growth; see the beautiful aspects of humanity that are awakened, accept relationship can be rewarding

13. Books/articles “ Quotes Jean Vanier wisdom Theological Art Self Assessment Training & Support L’Arche stories L’Arche blog Open to Mutually Transforming Relationships

14. Honour those you are travelling with on this journey at L’Arche by treating them with respect and love “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” Matthew 22 Considerations How are you trusted? Honest, candid, direct, sincere, truthful, maintain confidences, admit mistakes, who do you trust, how do you trust How are you kind? Thoughtful, courteous, encouraging, considerate, caring, gentle, gracious Attentive listener, tolerant, measured, self-controlled, invite understanding and resolve conflict through dialogue How are you patient? How do you forgive and seek forgiveness? Move forward with dignity intact, healing approach, accept limitations, forgive as we have been forgiven, choose to heal broken relationships Journey Together with Integrity How are you collaborative? How well do you communicate? Positive attitude, build on other’s contributions and perspectives, non-hierarchical, trust others, share responsibility, flexible, build confidence, share success and challenges Listen often, clear, unambiguous messages, with respect How are you respectful? On time for meetings and commitments, come prepared, present, follow through on commitments, embark on worthwhile endeavours 2014-06-05 For Discussion 14

15. Embrace the Mission Translate your passion for the Mission into action that makes a positive difference “Be faithful to the core values of our founding story” L’Arche Mission Statement Considerations Appreciate richness of legacy (founding story, charism, charter, mission, spirit), wonder, consider, explore, carry, share, personalize, integrate, nourish, be guided by vision and values How fully do you understand and engage in the Mission? How does your passion translate into action? Take initiative, speak up, hold convictions, act on inspiration, be proactive, hopeful How do you set high standards and hold to account? Have courage to hold yourself and others to account for impact, willing to say “no” or “not now”, persist through challenges, care deeply, step up to difficult decisions, do your very best, set clear expectations Visionary, question current approaches, challenge assumptions, with insight and sensitivity, respectful of authority, consider timing, offer options and hope, discerning How do you wisely identify opportunities for improvement? How effective are your proposed solutions? Creative, realistic, sensitive to culture, long term view, respectful of resources (people’s time, financial), consider consequences, shared ownership How wisely do you steward resources? Make good use of the resources that have been entrusted to us, people’s time, money, property; accountable, transparent, in solidarity, consultation Adaptable, open to new ways, respect decisions once made, solidarity, curious, seek understanding How do you support the agreed to direction? 2014-06-05 For Discussion 15

16. Curious, non defensive, solicit feedback from others, intentional, journey mindset, reflective, self-aware, daily opportunities, grow from mistakes How are youopen to learning and growing? How deliberate are you as a coach and developer of people? Focus on capability building and deep personal growth; up front coaching with insightful, honest feedback, specific suggestions for improvement, timely, caring spirit, How do you create opportunities for growth? Tailor training, formation and support; create new roles for growth, harness strengths, understand gifts, actively develop the next generation of leaders Know what the gift is, celebrate the gift, where is light needed? what is true calling? How do you build a continuous learning culture? Create a learning culture where everyone grows and develops their gifts “The light that is shining in them” Jean Vanier Considerations How do you share your gifts and the gifts of others? Make Known Our Gifts Safe environment, feedback flows daily, mistakes are learning opportunities, it is about growth 2014-06-05 For Discussion 16

17. See and discover the spiritual in everyday community life at L’Arche “L’Arche communities are communities of faith, rooted in prayer and trust in God” Charter of L’Arche Considerations How do you continuously understand the spiritual basis of L’Arche? Gain insight into the spirit and charism of L’Arche through understanding how it originated in the Christian story and how it is interpreted through humanistic, ecumenical, and other religious traditions How are you open toseeing & discovering God at L’Arche? How do you contribute to the spiritual life of the community? Recognize presence of the sacred in people and in actions, see the role of providence in everyday joys and challenges, appreciate that vulnerability can foster union with God Value the spiritual life and identity of the community, plan and make time for spiritual events and prayer Trust in God Nurture and encourage the spiritual life of individuals, respect religious identityand paths, ensure pastoral care How do you support others on their spiritual journey? Participate in opportunities for spiritual growth, committed to personal spiritual journey How are you deepening your own spiritual life? 2014-06-05 For Discussion 17

18. Bring life to the L’Arche community and be grateful for what has been given Live in Joy “When we have light and joy in our hearts we don’t need material wealth” Jean Vanier Considerations Live in the spirit of abundance, see it, recognize it Do you choose joy? How do you share your joywith the community? Create fun, share stories, be interesting, laugh together, be spontaneous, get excited, have adventures, foolishness, include everyone How are you kind to yourself? Forgiving, accepting, caring, see own worth, free yourself to live in joy, attend to the deep places where joy emerges How do you respect your physical wellbeing? Eat well, exercise, rest, attentive to your health care How do you respect your emotional wellbeing? Prayer, meditation, walks, peace, stillness, maintain a healthy work-life balance How are you grateful? For moments, for sights, for your gifts, for others light, for love, for community, for God, hold a sense of wonder 2014-06-05 For Discussion 18

19. Realize the deep freedom and strength that comes when you operate from a place of acceptance of your true self “We are simply human beings, enfolded in weakness and hope” Jean Vanier Stand on Humble Ground Considerations Appreciate that you are part of something more, be open to unknown mystery, gratuitous How do you see your place in the world? Accept your gifts and limitations, know that you will make mistakes and can learn from them, forgiving, no need to be spectacular, powerful, necessary or the best How are you humble? Put noble purposes and other people ahead of your needs, be of service, willing to sacrifice, extend yourself for a greater good, affirm yourself How are you selfless? How are you authentic? Genuine, comfortable in your own skin, reliable, trustworthy, with integrity, in harmony, know what you truly live for, come as you are How are you content living simply? How are you a strong and trusted leader? Give priority to relationships, respond and be present to the given moment, find the mission in the littleness of daily activities Attract followers through respect, maturity, security; your motivations inspire and engage, know people and be known 2014-06-05 For Discussion 19

20. Announce to the world L'Arche's vision and witness of our common humanity Be a Sign of a More Human Society “Engage in our diverse cultures, working together towards a more human society” Mission of L’Arche Considerations How do you advocate for a better humanity? Share your views on the rightful place and respect for people with disabilities within society; write, speak out, influence policy, educate society and particularly young people How do you support core members sharing their gifts with the broader community? Create opportunities for interaction, connections and collaborations to people and organizations beyond L’Arche, announce gifts, be in relationship, foster relationships with family and friends How do you personally share the message of L’Arche? Integrate spirit and message of L’Arche in your life beyond the community; with family and friends, at the grocery store, on vacation How do help L’Arche continuously learn? Welcome good news from the world around us, collaborate, learn from others, work in partnership How do you share and collaborate with other organizations? Share vision and authentic experience with those who may benefit, support alumni as servant leaders 2014-06-05 For Discussion 20

21. Develop the Model Community by Community “Names the key elements of our culture and calls out their importance” Are these the key elements of Servant Leadership at L’Arche? Are any considerations missing? Are any unimportant? Would you change any of the descriptions? Provide feedback to Amy Demoulin (demoulin@larchetoronto.org) or Janet Maclaren (j.maclaren@rogers.com) • Assistants • Current Leaders • Core Members • Communities

22. Servant Leadership Mutually Reinforcing People Practices with Servant Leadership at the Center

23. Servant Leadership Phased Approach over Three Years 2012 2013 2014 2015

24. Servant Leadership Objectives Intent of Leadership Development Initiative “I get the critical importance of this effort to L’Arche Canada” Breadth and cohesiveness (systematic approach) of Leadership Development Initiative “This touches almost everything, and all aspects need to be mutually reinforcing” Priority of focus of L’Arche Canada on this initiative “We must focus our efforts on this to the exclusion of many other priorities” Shared ownership and change management approaches “To be successful this needs to be designed and implemented with everyone’s fingerprints all over it”

25. Servant Leadership Objectives Importance of strong team and measured success for impact “I will encourage the strongest leaders from my community to be involved and be interested in their progress” Commitment to hold solutions to highest standards “I will provide direct and judicious feedback ” Importance of pace in achieving impact “There is a lot to be done so feedback and leadership must be timely” Personal commitment of current leaders to making this project a success and to their own deep personal growth as servant leaders “I will be involved in this from the inside out and will share my gifts and energy to make it happen”

26. Why Servant Leadership?

27. Servant Leadership Servant Leadership Model Should … • Reflect the culture, values and purpose of L’Arche and reclaim them The BREATH of Servant Leadership • Bring to life the human dimension of L’Arche The HUMANITYof Servant Leadership • Be inspirational yet challenging The ENERGY of Servant Leadership • Draw out the unique gifts of each individual The PERSONALITY of Servant Leadership • Support day to day intentional living in community The BEAT of Servant Leadership • Encourage current and emerging leaders and core members regardless of role or residenceThe INCLUSIVENESS of Servant Leadership • Support deep personal growth and transformationThe GUIDE of Servant Leadership

28. Servant Leadership Servant Leadership Model Should… • Be easily understood for recruitingThe ATTRACTION of Servant Leadership • Support the development of leaders with the qualities that are essential to fulfilling the missionThe NURTURING of Servant Leadership • Enhance the spirit of community and relationship and support fulfillment of current membersThe HEART of Servant Leadership • Serves and benefits the communities todayThe IMMEDIACY of Servant Leadership • Connects alumni in a meaningful way and enhances their contributions beyond L’ArcheThe REACH of Servant Leadership • Is distinctive to L’Arche yet accessible by others to support being a sign The UNIVERSALITY of Servant Leadership