Strategy Snippets with Mel & Melinda

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 14 What do your numbers actually tell you? In church life, attendance is often treated as the primary measure of success — but it doesn’t always give the full picture. In this episode of Strategy Snippets, we explore the limits of relying on numbers alone and why attendance isn’t always a true reflection of discipleship, evangelism, or church health. We also introduce a better way to think about measurement — focusing on what actually contributes to growth and long-term impact.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 13   When challenges arise in church life, it’s easy to feel like you have to figure everything out on your own — or to jump on the first idea that comes along. But great plans are rarely created in isolation. In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel and Melinda explore why involving the right people is essential for effective planning, and how different gifts within the church contribute to stronger, more sustainable solutions. They introduce the Working Genius framework as a practical way to identify who is best suited for each part of the planning process — from generating ideas to discerning what will actually work. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by planning or unsure who to involve, this episode will help you build the right team around you and create plans that move things forward. You can check out the working genius at www.workinggenius.com   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au  

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 12   Many churches and leaders find themselves hitting the same ceiling — working harder, trying more, but not seeing growth. Often, the issue isn’t effort or vision. It’s the systems and processes shaping how things actually work. In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel unpacks how everyday processes — the way decisions are made, problems are handled, and responsibilities are carried — combine to form systems that either create space for growth or quietly limit it. Using practical examples and a biblical lens, this episode explores how leaders can identify where capacity is being capped and begin to create structures that support sustainable growth, healthier teams, and better care for people. If you’ve ever felt like you’re hitting a ceiling in ministry, this episode will help you ask the right questions and start creating space for what’s next.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au  

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 11   In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel and Melinda explore why solving the problem isn’t the only goal — how you move forward as a team matters just as much. They unpack the dynamics that often show up in meetings, from dominant voices to quieter contributors, and why these can make collaboration difficult. They introduce a simple and practical framework — Six Thinking Hats — that helps teams think more clearly, hear every perspective, and work toward better decisions together. This approach creates space for different viewpoints, reduces conflict, and helps teams move forward with greater unity. If you’re leading a church, ministry, or team and want to navigate challenges more effectively, this episode offers a practical way to bring people with you.   Link for Six Thinking Hats  

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 10   In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel and Melinda discuss how inconsistency, lack of reinforcement, and everyday leadership habits shape culture over time. They explore why culture is built through small, repeated behaviours — and how intentional leadership can strengthen it in churches and organisations.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 9   In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel and Melinda discuss how leadership habits, accountability, and everyday decisions shape culture over time. They explore why culture is formed long before crises arise — and how intentional leadership can strengthen it in churches and organisations.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 8   How do you create real culture change? In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel and Melinda discuss why culture change starts with measuring reality, making it visually effective, and helping people understand why change matters. They explore practical ways leaders can move from intention to lasting change.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 7   What does it take to design a great strategy? In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel and Melinda explore why good strategy starts with understanding reality — not assumptions. They discuss how listening, research, and clarity about culture and context help leaders build strategies that actually work.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 6   What’s the difference between vision, goals, and strategy — and does everyone mean the same thing when they use those words? In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel unpacks why vision stands apart, while goals, objectives, and strategy are often used interchangeably across different industries. The conversation highlights how context shapes meaning, and why shared understanding is critical for effective leadership and decision-making.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 5   In this episode of Strategy Snippets, Mel and Melinda explore how good strategy can provide direction without rigidity. They discuss the difference between being strategic and being reactive, and how holding strategy well can actually create room for adaptability rather than limit it.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 4   Mel and Melinda discuss why strategy is imperative for growth, change, and sustainability. This episode explores the risks of relying on incidental outcomes, the cost of misdirected effort, and how intentional strategy supports lasting impact.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 3   Mel and Melinda discuss the relationship between goals and strategy, explaining why clear goals must come first and how strategy brings them to life. This episode explores common mistakes organisations make, why copying solutions rarely works, and how thoughtful clarity leads to better outcomes.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au  

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 2   Mel shares her approach to strategy as something more than a plan — an integrated, people-focused framework designed to create lasting change. From culture and values to documentation, measurement, and pacing, this episode explores what makes strategy effective and sustainable.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Mel shares her background, faith journey, and how her strategic mind developed across corporate and church settings. This episode explores what drives her approach to strategy, her passion for efficiency and people, and the lessons she’s learned from building sustainable, high-impact systems.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Melinda shares her background, faith journey, and how she came to understand her strategic wiring. This episode offers insight into how strategy emerges early, why asking good questions matters, and what helps strategists contribute well in people-centred environments.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Strategy Snippets · Season 1 · Episode 1   Melinda outlines her approach to strategy as a values-driven, people-focused process that prioritises clarity, honesty, and context. This episode explores why good strategy resists quick fixes and instead honours culture, perspective, and sustainable change.   Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au

Welcome to Strategy Snippets with Mel & Melinda! Your weekly dose of strategic ideas. Check out the trailer to hear more about us and what we plan to discuss.  The first episode, and two bonus bio episodes will be released on the 4th February 2026. Subscribe now so you don't miss an episode.    Strategy Snippets is brought to you by Focus Church Consulting. Learn more at www.focuschurchconsulting.com.au