Utilizing a Restorative Lens to Strengthen an Organization
It is imperative for organizations to acknowledge the potential risk of burnout among leaders, especially given the average tenure of seven years. As a part of its evaluation process, the Longmont Community Justice Partnership (LCJP) Board provides a two-week sabbatical for executive directors. This initiative aims to emphasize the significance of rest and reflection, while fostering renewed visions for LCJP’s future.
During an interview, Shalene Onyango, who has served as Executive Director of Longmont Community Justice Partnerships for four-years, likened her sabbatical experience and opportunity to the RESTORATIVE process at LCJP. She says, “… one of the things that feels similar to me about a sabbatical is how it is also RESTORATIVE, which is obviously the key word here.” Utilizing a RESTORATIVE lens is the primary approach for strengthening, supporting, understanding, and repairing relationships at Longmont Community Justice Partnership. Onyango goes on to say, “In the conference process, we often say, the space ‘in between’. What happens between the intake and the pre-conference, and then ‘in between’ the pre-conference and the actual conference. Then ‘in between’ the conference and the contract, and what happens after. It’s the space ‘in between’ those things that is often the most valuable and meaningful.”
Shalene plans to utilize his period to reconnect with her leadership strengths, fostering a renewed perspective and approach that brings clarity and insight to her role as executive director for LCJP.
In addition, Shalene emphasizes her confidence in the staff and underscored the importance of maintaining the organization’s relationships and values. Her sabbatical enables LCJP staff to cultivate and enhance their skills in her absence. This period offers everyone the opportunity to lead the organization in diverse ways and to share responsibilities, a matter of profound significance to Shalene.
During this break, Shalene aims to gain clarity regarding LCJP’s future direction, exploring opportunities and envisioning their next steps with a strong emphasis on inclusivity. She plans to leverage the collective strength and wisdom of LCJP staff to achieve their goals and mission. This time will also provide Shalene the opportunity to engage in activities she enjoys, such as cooking, painting, and spending time with her daughter. Additionally, It will also allow her the chance to attend to small but meaningful tasks that may be difficult to prioritize during her usual busy schedule such as, writing letters, sending notes to friends or selecting thoughtful gifts for others, simply out of kindness. During this period, she will dedicate time to reflection and strategic planning, envisioning the future steps needed to advance LCJP.
Shalene Onyango, who has served as Longmont Community Justice Partnership’s Executive Director for four years, is presently on sabbatical until August 12, 2024.