Inspiring Servant Leadership: 5 Tips for Growing Camaraderie Among CWOC Leadership

My name is Christine Simpson and I’m the President of the Catholic Women of the Chapel (CWOC) at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. Although I’ve been active in CWOC leadership positions for the past few years, I always look forward to working alongside the very new, and the seasoned, Board members. As we all know, leadership in any ministry is not a one man show. It’s important to get to know your team, and importantly establish trust amongst each other. Below are a few simple ideas that I would like to share to help grow camaraderie within your CWOC Leadership.

1. Attend a daily mass together. Nourish your spiritual journey together! Prayer is always powerful in numbers. This summer, our Board meetings are held every Thursday at 1pm, with the opportunity for Board to attend daily mass at 12pm. We bring our own lunches to eat together after mass in the fellowship hall before the meeting starts.
2. Create a group chat via text message. A group chat with your Board members is an easy way to cast an urgent vote or quick decision regarding your ministry. It’s also a great way to build rapport on a personal level. My Board members share personal achievements, prayers requests, and even funny memes!
3. Look for opportunities to recognize talents and express gratitude, even when you disagree. Kindness always matters. Before stating you disagree, ease in with recognizing two positives. Don’t let the smallest of things go unnoticed. Simply saying “I’m so glad you’re here” will make a remarkable difference in any discussion.
4. Invest in social experiences. Get to know your tribe by venturing out together. Plan coffee dates or see a movie together. Our former CWOC Board started a monthly Sisterhood lunch at various eateries surrounding the Fort Liberty area. All CWOC members are invited and are encouraged to bring a friend. This monthly “pay on your own” event leaves everyone with full bellies and full hearts.
5. Connect and communicate. I like to begin Board meetings with an activity. My favorite is “Highs and Lows,” where each person takes turns sharing one high point and one low point of their day or week. This activity allows everyone the opportunity to be both the speaker and the listener, establishing a mutual understanding and respect for one another.

 St. Basil is quoted as reminding us, “A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”

Lead with kindness and serve with love.

In Christ,

Christine Simpson

Army Spouse