Focus on formation

A VARIETY OF FORMATION PROGRAMS IMPACT WORK CULTURE AND ASSOCIATE WELL-BEING

If you’ve been around Ascension long enough, you’ve either heard the word “formation,” known someone who’s been through a formation program or been through a formation process yourself.

What is formation?

At Ascension, we describe it in a variety of ways.

Sometimes we focus on its outcomes: “Formation is an ongoing transformative process that opens us to God’s action and connects us more deeply with self, God, others and the world. Through practices grounded in theology and spirituality, formation enables us to consider our calling, find deeper meaning in our work, realize our gifts, develop our competencies, and grow as a community in service of human dignity and the common good.”

Other times we focus on its substance: “Formation is reflection on identity in community over time.”

“Reflection on identity in community means investing time together with others to consider what’s most important to us and how what we value connects with Ascension’s deepest commitments and core Values as a ministry of the Catholic Church,” said Tom VanOsdol, MS, MA, FACHE, Executive Vice President and Chief

Mission Integration Officer, Ascension. “Who am I? Who did God create me to be? What do I care most about? What am I called to contribute to the world? How do I express what’s most important to me through my behaviors and actions in my role within Ascension? Exploring these questions together with others, repeatedly over time, makes space for the Spirit to reveal insights, truths and transformation at its own God-inspired pace. Even the reflections and prayers we share before huddles and meetings create the space and intentionality necessary for this kind of connection.”

Ascension offers a variety of in-person and virtual formation programs. The process of formation begins with new associate orientation, where associates are introduced to our shared Mission and Values and Ascension’s view of the human person, made in the image of God and possessing inherent dignity. Another element of formation is weekly virtual small groups for meditation, creativity and prayer. Some formation activities designed for specific groups of associates, such as those in nursing residency, are available in person in the Ministry Markets and online.

Ministry Formation programs for leaders include Roots of Ministry Leadership for new or newly promoted leaders; Foundations of Ministry Leadership (Foundations) for tenured leaders; and Executive Ministry Leadership (EML) for executives. EML and Foundations are two of the oldest formation programs in Catholic healthcare, having started in 2004 and 2009, respectively.

Two recent studies measured the impact of leader formation programs on Ascension’s work culture. These studies showed that associates on teams led by EML graduates were on average 16% more likely to recommend Ascension, and their reported engagement scores across the hallmarks of ABIDE (AppreciationBelongingness - Inclusivity - Diversity - Equity) were on average 19% higher than those of their counterparts. Foundations graduates are on average 10.5 times more likely than their counterparts to still be working in Ascension after two years, which shows how formation engages and connects associates and supports efforts to retain leaders and associates.

Formation also encompasses two associate well-being programs: Cultivating Reverence for Living, a stress-reduction program, and Spiritual Direction unique to Ascension.

Cultivating Reverence for Living is a six-week program that includes weekly live virtual or in-person group sessions paired with web-based lessons and practices for personal well-being. Participants engage with the materials, others in the program with them, and personal practice for 20 minutes each day. The program’s most recent groups reported an average 29% reduction in perceived stress over the six-week program as determined by the Perceived Stress Scale, the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring the perception of stress.

“Spiritual Direction is for any associate who may be experiencing burnout, discerning vocation or needing support navigating life transitions. Spiritual Direction is not therapy, pastoral counseling or problem solving. Rather, these completely confidential sessions invite you to get in touch with the spiritual aspect of being human,” said Sarah Reddin, D.HCML, MA, Vice President, Ministry Formation, Ascension.

“In addition, all Ascension associates are invited to explore the Enneagram, a method for developing awareness of self and others including one’s patterns of behavior and underlying motivations. Ascension’s unique approach to facilitating the Enneagram nurtures culture, develops teams, and supports growth in ways consistent with our Mission and Values. Facilitated by the Ministry Formation team, Ascension’s Enneagram sessions focus on spirituality, motivations, dispositions and behaviors in a truly integrated way,” Sarah said. Associates can request a facilitated Enneagram session and take an online assessment at ascensionmission.org.

For those associates who are looking for virtual formation options, the ascensionmission.org website provides many resources for individual and group prayer, reflection, growth, and development. The Good Day Ascension Intranet hosts daily reflections as well. And for those who prefer resources in print, the “Reflecting on Our Values” booklet offers a collection of prayers and reflections for individuals and teams. Formation opportunities can be made available whenever and wherever associates, leaders and board members gather. Team-based formation can be offered upon request. Members of the Ministry Formation team collaborate with learning leaders across Ascension to create other hybrid experiences.

“Whatever form the specific offering may take, we consistently seek the same two essential outcomes: the flourishing of all associates in community and solidarity with others and the formation of our leaders, and Ascension’s wholeness — its integrity and fidelity — as a ministry of the Church, guided by our Mission, rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer,“ Tom said.

Contact your Ministry Market Mission Integration department or email mission@ascension.org with questions or for more information.

Executive Ministry Leadership (EML) program Group 17 celebrates their graduation on May 3, in 2004, equips executive leaders with the competencies needed to effectively lead Ascension.