Picture an everyday office space transformed into a circus, complete with decorations, displays, games, activities, food, and costumes that bring out your inner child. (The only thing missing was the animals, and that wasn’t even a concern.) This was the scene set for our annual staff retreat.
The purpose of the retreat? Simple: to focus on, and live, our organization’s core values. We spent time gathered in the same space for connection, laughter, reflection, learning, celebration, and good old-fashioned Wheel work.
A standout moment for me was the opening session led by our founder, Mark LoMurray. He invited us to identify someone in our lives who, unbeknownst to them, exemplifies one of our company core values. Colleagues then shared how they saw each staff member living out one of our core values.
This is the work we do: lifting each other up, deepening belonging, strengthening relationships, and building a positive work culture. In true Mark fashion, he wrapped up the session with a game that brought both laughter and a fair amount of chaos. Whether intentional or not, it was a reminder that we never quite know what work (or life) will throw our way, so we may as well embrace the journey.
Fast forward to the closing session of the retreat, when each staff member was invited to share a gratitude, learning, affirmation, or delight from our time together. Highlights included creative reflection activities, rich conversations, learning from and about one another, our give-back Generosity event, and simply being in the same physical space together.
We also celebrated our annual Sourcie Awards, which provides a time to honor each person’s unique contributions to the team in an absolutely outlandish way.
While many on the outside may question whether this can truly be classified as “work,” our team—including leadership—views it as essential to how we show up in our day-to-day roles to support the schools and communities we are so fortunate to partner with in this important work of empowering a well word. If you’re familiar with Sources of Strength, you know how much we like to “flip the script,” and the way we approach a staff retreat is no exception.
Time like this isn’t a break from the work; it’s what makes the work possible.
– Lori Ring, National Elementary Trainer
