Ep. 055 | Miriam Dicks: Being Intentional With Your Leadership Culture

In this episode, we sit down with Miriam Dicks, CEO and founder of the 180 management group. She brings over 20 years of experience in transforming organizations for optimal performance both in the corporate world and in ministry. 

As a seasoned professional in operations management, consulting, teaching, and leadership roles, Miriam has a wealth of knowledge to share about fostering intentional leadership cultures.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• How to be intentional with the culture you want to see.
• Importance of shared church responsibilities in leadership growth.
• Improving morale among your staff and volunteers.
• Navigating cultural change in congregation sizes.

Join us as we dive into a conversation about being intentional with your leadership culture with Miriam Dicks.

Register For the Healthy Church Summit here 👉 https://bit.ly/3TTFlQN

Links Mentioned:

• www.180managementgroup.com
• Miriam Dicks on LinkedIn
• Book recommendation: “Virtual Culture: The Way We Work Doesn’t Work Anymore, a Manifesto” by Bryan Miles
• Book recommendation: “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear

Episode Recap:

In the constantly evolving landscape of organizational management, Miriam Dicks, the CEO and founder of 180 Management Group, stands out as a wise guide on transformative leadership. With over two decades of experience in operations management and consulting, Miriam has a unique perspective on driving operational excellence in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors.

Miriam emphasizes the parallels between managing non-profit organizations and churches. Both rely heavily on volunteer management and depend on public generosity for funding. Miriam’s dual experience in corporate America and church leadership has allowed her to bridge the gap between these worlds, applying lessons from each to the other. Her emphasis on understanding and catering to the needs of people, whether in a healthcare setting or a church community, highlights the importance of empathy and community in effective leadership.

A critical aspect of Miriam’s approach is the intentional cultivation of organizational culture. She defines culture as a blend of shared practices, beliefs, and behaviors. For church leaders, it’s not just about letting culture evolve but actively shaping it to reflect the congregation’s values and beliefs.

Miriam’s advice is clear: align every aspect of church operations with the desired culture. This alignment ensures that the church’s actions, from its practices to its belief systems, reinforce the culture it aims to foster.

Miriam also addresses the challenges faced by church leaders in defining and adapting their roles as their congregations grow. She notes that the pastor’s responsibilities and the church’s culture must evolve with its size.

This evolution often requires a systematic approach to operational changes, ensuring the church’s structure supports its growth and mission. Miriam draws on biblical examples to argue for well-defined roles and responsibilities within the church, advocating for a balance between spiritual and operational leadership.

In conclusion, Miriam Dicks offers a holistic view of church and non-profit management, blending spiritual guidance with practical operational strategies. Her insights serve as a guide for leaders seeking to navigate the complex challenges of managing volunteer-driven, faith-based organizations. Her approach underscores the necessity of empathy, strategic planning, and cultural alignment in fostering healthy, thriving communities.