A Total Rewards Philosophy is a set of tenets about how an organization intends to reward employees and why. This includes compensation, benefits, and perks, but may also include the strategy for employee professional development and career progression. In many organizations, matters of compensation are either a mystery or incoherent, even among key staff members who make important financial decisions for the organization. Programs (or lack thereof) shrouded in secrecy or avoidance of the topic may breed distrust and confusion among staff, especially if they notice erratic and inconsistent compensation practices and promises. But an effective and wisely transparent Total Rewards Philosophy allows everyone to know where they are, what they can reach, and how the organization can support them in getting to their financial, health, and wellness goals. Most importantly, it helps position a workplace to honor this Scripture: “The worker is worthy of his wages” (1 Timothy 5:18, NKJV).

Recently, the results of a 2024 Gallup poll were released, revealing that only twenty percent (20%) of polled workers strongly agreed that their organizational leadership was trustworthy. That number may be shocking to you, or maybe not? No matter your reaction, it is certainly low (and sad)! There are so many questions a leader can ask with this statistic. Why is it that so many in the workforce don’t trust their leadership? What does it mean to be trustworthy? What does it mean to trust your supervisor? What does it mean to trust your colleague? What does it mean to trust anyone?

As Christians, we have a long way to go in order to live up to God’s command for us to live united in Him (Psalm 133:1; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10). While perfect unity is an eternal reality in Heaven, we are called to pursue God’s perfect standard here on Earth. Thanks to God and many past people God worked through, we do not have nearly as far to go as we once did.

Previously, while serving as a lower school STEM teacher, I had an opportunity each day to create a learning environment for my students that allowed them to use their creativity. My classroom was designed to be a collaborative space where students worked with others to solve problems. Some days those problems were given to them by me, while other days, they chose a problem they wanted to tackle (Rob & Rob, 2018).

This episode is Summit-themed, recapping the Rooted Educator Worldview Summit in Dallas, and looking ahead towards September's PPA Summit in Washington D.C. To Register, visit acsi.org/summit.

Creativity is part of God's nature, and we are made in his image, so creativity is a divine gift. How can we use it in leadership for problem-solving and inspiring others?

Dr. Edward Bunn sits down with Dr. Chris Hobbs, Head of School at Indian Rocks Christian School, to discuss the leadership soft skill of change management.

Hear from Dr. Larry Taylor at the International Educator Leadership Conference in Budapest, and from Phil Hills, Executive Regional Director of ACSI Western Canada, ahead of this September's Public Policy & Advocacy Summit.