How to work with a team (Part 2)

Again, great teams don't just "happen" it takes work and effort, but the payoff is HUGE!

Patrick Lencioni, author of The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, makes this statement:

"If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you would dominate and industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time." Powerful statement - especially when applied to a team that is positioned to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

here is part 2 of how to work with a team...

6. Resolve Team CONFLICT. No team can avoid conflict, nor should try it. Conflict is the inevitable result of people's working closely together. If there's never any noticeable conflict then there's probably something lurking under the surface, and that's the most dangerous kind. Among Christians conflict should never become the norm not should it escalate to abuse, bit it is inevitable so don't be startled or dispirited by it, but do resolve it! When conflict comes, it's the leader's job to deal with it. Conflicts should be addressed quickly and directly (Eph 4:26) and in a spirit of love (Eph 4:15). When you procrastinate on dealing with problems, it's like walking around with a rock in your shoe, you can still walk but not without constant annoyance and that problem will not go away until you stop, take off the shoe and remove the irritant!

7. Have a plan for GROWING each of your team members. As a servant-leader you should pursue the personal and professional well-being OR advancement of each team member. Pray for them. Encourage their growth. Coach them. When they outgrow their present position find them more challenging one. Don't be worried if they move up - it makes the leadership over them look good!

8. Know you team members and allow them to KNOW you. Some leaders think they should remain aloof from their subordinates; maintain distance and even a measure of indifference. Know your team members but don't let them know you. but this is not a biblical model - - Jesus had a mutually intimate relationship with his disciples. Jesus knew them, "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 10:27. ..."I have called your friends (John 15:15). The apostle Paul had a close relationship with his disciples , notice the terms of endearment he used addressing Timothy in 1&2 Timothy 1:2, and he spoke fondly to his followers (1 Thess 2:8)

9. Empower each team member; give them opportunity, freedom, and RESPONSIBILITY. Recruit good people and then empower them to do their work! Give them the authority to make decisions and support their decisions. Don't micromanage.

Allow people to fail. Allowing ppl to fail empower them to succeed in ways they would never imagined. Don't punish failure; punish passivity. Failure at least implies some sort of output. Also, create an environment in which if people fail, they'll have a "soft-landing." If there is a failure of failure in your organization /team there won't be much experimentation, innovation ,or learning.

10. Periodically, as a team, analyze and EVALUATE how you're working together.
Spend time talking to each other about how the team is working. Ask questions like these:

• Are we benefiting from the power of synergy or is everyone just pulling their won weight?
• Do we engage in real dialogue and healthy conflict?
• Does anyone feel isolated or alone?
• Are we being honest with each other?
• How can we do a better job of compensating for each other's weaknesses and highlighting straights?

Go Team!

selections and ideas from NEXT Worldwide Catalyst Leadership Experience