The Dream Manager Program: Empower Employees, Elevate Business
A Strategic Way to Invest in Employee Flourishing
Today, a new trend is emerging among Christian business leaders: investing in employee well-being through life coaching programs like the Dream Manager. These programs can significantly enhance employee engagement, productivity, and retention. Employers have found that by prioritizing personal development, they can cultivate a more satisfied, loyal, and high-performing workforce.
Inspired by Matthew Kelly’s book The Dream Manager, this article explores how to integrate life coaching and Dream Manager practices into your company culture, fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to share their dreams and allowing you to unlock the powerful connection between employee aspirations and organizational success.
Pursuing a Vision for Holistic Employee Flourishing
Many Christian CEOs and employers invest in care funds and corporate chaplaincy—but what about programs that empower employees to pursue their goals and realize their dreams? By implementing a life coaching program like the Dream Manager alongside a care team and chaplaincy support, you can foster holistic flourishing for your employees:
A Dream Manager Program connects employees with life coaches who help them identify and pursue their personal dreams. In The Dream Manager, Matthew Kelly outlines 12 dream categories: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, psychological, material, professional, financial, creative, adventure, legacy, and character. Employees might need guidance to achieve milestones like home ownership, returning to college, or taking a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Through periodic one-on-one sessions, these programs track progress, address challenges, and align the employees’ personal aspirations with professional growth. By implementing such initiatives, you invest in your employees’ holistic flourishing—both in and beyond the workplace—while reflecting Christ’s love through intentional care and support.
Why Investing in Employee Flourishing is Worth Your Time
You may wonder, “Is supporting my employees’ dreams outside the bounds of my role as an employer?” or “With everything else on my plate, why should I prioritize this?” While these are understandable concerns, consider that today’s workforce values organizations that recognize and invest in their full potential beyond professional tasks. Life coaching programs are a strategic way to enhance employee engagement, loyalty, and productivity. Employees who feel genuinely valued as individuals bring greater energy and creativity to their work, driving innovation and commitment that benefit both them and the organization:
Investing in holistic flourishing does not have to be overwhelming; small, intentional actions—such as structured support and occasional goal-oriented conversations—can yield significant returns.
Implementing the Dream Manager Program in Your Business
To get started, consider taking the following foundational steps. By embracing the principles listed below, you can cultivate a workplace with greater engagement and loyalty, empowering both your people and your business to thrive:
1. Identify and Empower a Life Coach or Dream Manager
To identify and empower a life coach or Dream Manager for your business, look for someone who is empathetic, an effective communicator, and genuinely passionate about personal development. This role can be filled by hiring a dedicated full-time professional or assigning it to an existing team member who is enthusiastic and well-suited for this responsibility. As an employer, support them by offering certification, resources, and the authority to help employees set and achieve their goals. Ensure their efforts align with your organization’s values while helping employees pursue their personal goals, creating the greatest impact for both individuals and the business.
2. Create a Culture of Dream Exploration
Create a strong foundation by encouraging employees to reflect on their life goals and dreams. This requires shifting the focus from purely work-related objectives to embracing the broader aspirations each team member holds. Your company’s Dream Manager Program should cultivate a culture where sharing personal goals feels natural and supported. By recognizing and supporting goals like homeownership, improved health, or financial stability, you demonstrate that your company genuinely values the success of its employees beyond the workplace.
3. Build Genuine Connections Through Intentional Conversations
Dream Managers conduct regular check-ins that include meaningful conversations about employees’ personal aspirations, signaling your commitment to their holistic growth. Begin with a simple, authentic question such as, “What dreams or goals do you have that we can support?” These genuine inquiries can transform workplace dynamics, fostering stronger relationships and a deeper sense of belonging.
4. Provide Resources and Support for Personal Goal Achievement
Once employees have identified their dreams, take actionable steps to support their pursuit. This could include offering financial wellness programs like Financial Peace University, marriage retreats like Weekend to Remember, sponsoring classes to learn a new language, or covering fees for professional certifications. These efforts do not require significant investments but show that your commitment to employees extends beyond their workplace performance.
5. Modeling Vulnerability and Vision
When leaders openly share their personal aspirations and goals, it creates a ripple effect that fosters openness across the organization. By modeling vulnerability, leaders show they are invested not only in the company’s success but also in their own growth and development. This approach makes it easier for employees to feel comfortable discussing and pursuing their own dreams.
6. Provide Structured Accountability
The Dream Manager Program thrives on accountability. Establish periodic check-ins with employees working toward specific goals—such as starting a small business or pursuing further education—to emphasize that these aspirations are a valued part of the workplace culture. Consistent support helps drive progress, keeping employees motivated and engaged both personally and professionally.
Daring to Dream
In 2020, C12 member Mark Ables, President of Ables Landscapes, implemented a Dream Manager Program after being inspired by the concept in a C12 Forum. With the help of Morgan Behrens, the company’s Dream Manager, Mark saw firsthand how empowering employees to pursue their dreams led to personal and organizational growth.
Implementing a Dream Manager or life coaching program might feel overwhelming, but with the right framework, you can set your team up for success. Download our free resource, A Leader’s Guide to Implementing a Dream Manager Program, and start integrating this transformative practice into your business today.
Leading with Compassion and Purpose
At C12, we believe that God has an eternal plan for each believer’s life, and that plan includes their businesses. (John 13:34-35). By helping your employees pursue their dreams, you create an environment where they can thrive both personally and professionally. This holistic approach not only drives organizational success but also provides a powerful platform to share the gospel and point people to Christ. What steps will you take to unlock your team’s full potential and empower them to make a life—not just a living?
C12 Business Forums provides an architected environment for Christian business leaders that integrates work, life, and leadership transformation. To learn more about C12’s approach to Christ-centered business leadership, find a C12 Business Forum near you.
November 22, 2024
