The Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), Ghana Province, successfully held the second day of their ongoing Strategic Leadership Workshop under the theme “Advancing HHCJ Ghana Province towards Excellence through Strategic Discipleship, Record Keeping and Communication.” The workshop, facilitated by Rev. Fr. Cyprian Kuupol, SVD, took place in Nsoatre-Sunyani.
Activities for the day began at 9:30 a.m. with an opening prayer led by Sr. Cecilia Nkansah, HHCJ.
The first session focused on the attributes of effective teamwork, highlighting key areas such as personal character and integrity, vision and strategic thinking, communication skills, emotional intelligence, people development, adaptability, and execution. Participants were encouraged to cultivate honesty, accountability, innovation, empathy, and resilience as essential qualities for leadership and community life.
The session also addressed disciple readiness, urging Sisters to develop a teachable and humble attitude, actively participate in community service, build respectful relationships, and remain open to correction.
Through group discussions, participants explored practical ways of applying these values within their communities. Emphasis was placed on integrity, accountability, empathy, self-awareness, initiative, and discernment as key drivers of effective teamwork.
Another important segment focused on strategic discipleship and alignment with the Congregation’s mission and vision. Sisters engaged in reflective exercises to assess how their personal lives align with these guiding principles. They further identified concrete actions and behaviors that support the mission, followed by a collective review to identify strengths and gaps.
The final session of the day centered on record keeping and communication. Participants were taken through the importance of accurate documentation for decision-making, accountability, and progress tracking. Various types of records, including financial, attendance, inventory, and personal records, were discussed, along with best practices such as consistency, clarity, and proper storage.
On communication, the facilitator highlighted the importance of verbal, written, and especially non-verbal communication in fostering unity within community life. Key non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, tone of voice, posture, and gestures were emphasized. Participants were also guided on overcoming barriers such as poor listening, assumptions, and emotional reactions.
Practical guidelines encouraged Sisters to communicate with kindness and humility, listen attentively, avoid gossip, and use communication as a tool for building rather than breaking community.
The workshop concluded at approximately 2:00 p.m. with a vote of thanks delivered by Sr. Regina Asante, HHCJ. Announcements were subsequently made by the Provincial Superior, Sr. Judith Magbity, HHCJ.
The workshop continues to provide a platform for strengthening leadership, deepening discipleship, and enhancing effective administration within the HHCJ Ghana Province.
By HHCJ Communication Team.
