Twelve women, all members of Brenau University's Servant-Leader Scholars Program in Gainesville, Georgia, participated in their organization's annual Fall Retreat this past weekend, October 7-9.  Facilitated by Gabriel Center staff, the retreat focused on servant-leader skill development, the connections between commitment and servant-leadership, and communication and feedback skills.  Here are a few testimonials from the weekend. 

"This weekend has brought many excellent aspects of leadership skills that are necessary to know or at least recognize to be a good servant-leader.  By understanding what a servant-leader is, it has opened my eyes to wonderful and productive techniques that I can carry throughout my college years and life.  Things as simple as feedback were discussed in depth and the ways to bring about constructive criticism are astonishing.  I’ve learned so much and know that I’ve grown as a leader and more importantly, I’ve grown myself.  I’m extremely lucky to have been able to attend and know what an amazing opportunity I’ve been given." --Brittany A.

"On this retreat I have gained many valuable skills that will help in becoming a better servant-leader.  Specifically having effective listening skills will encourage my peers to come to me if they ever need to discuss anything." -- Amanda B.

"This week I have learned that I need to voice my opinion.  I feel blessed with a compassionate, servant’s heart and I need to serve anyone I can." --Ashley V.

"This weekend has taught me how to listen to others and effectively execute a task in a timely manner.  I’ve learned how to put the technology away and focus.  Sometimes taking everyone’s different thoughts and experiences and using them enriches any situation." --Allison G.

"This weekend has allowed me to learn things about servant-leadership that I’d never even considered.  How to give effective feedback, how to listen actively, how to appropriately delegate responsibilities: all of these things are necessary to be good servant-leaders.  Participating in this retreat has forced me to take a step back and inspect my leadership qualities, and determine which ones need improvement." --Elizabeth S.