Staff Retreat '07

Got back today from an incredible staff retreat. We typically get away for 2-3 days a year just to be together as a team and focus on leadership stuff. Most of these retreats have consisted extensively of long range planning. Coming on the heels of the 4c/Puzzled stuff we decided instead to focus on growth for our team. Great discussions...great teaching on utilizing strengths from Marcus Buckingham...and lots of laughter. Here's my highlighrts:

• Relentless harassment of Bobby's sweater vest he wore on Sunday.

• When Bobby ordered blackberry Tea, again we harassed him but the moment was sweetened when our waiter asked, "Is your name Chandler as well?" Oh man, we lost it.
• Of course, the short jokes abounded with fervor. Btw, the target of our laughter did move to each one of us. That's what I love about this staff. We know how to have fun, and no one takes it personally.
  
• Highlighting for each other the things we loved about each other and some things we each need to work on. That was not a comfortable experience, but man it was so helpful for us.
• Eating at an incredible restaurant on the lake in Syracuse, IN. Don't remember the name though.
• Worshiping together - we actually did this several times, incredible God encounters.