by Alan Lim
Here are 7 things to consider when developing a team:
- Is your vision broad enough for others to be a part of it from their own sense of calling, passion and gifts, or is it somewhat limiting due to the uniqueness of your vision? The nature, breadth, scope and flexibility of your vision may determine the kind of people you will attract or are willing to follow you.
- In your own opinion, are you first a friend or a leader to your team? Leadership is important, because it gives direction, clarifies vision, sets boundaries and even establishes structure for operations. But friendship establishes healthy community, creates a safe environment, encourages belonging and cultivates ownership. A leader who is also a friend is a really good thing to a team.
- What would it take to create healthy relationships in my team? What can I do for my team mates to like one another, enjoy each other’s company, trust one another, and find satisfying friendships with each other? How do I create a fun and friendly community feeling in my team?
- Think Big, Start Small, Build Deep. Have the courage to dream and think big, trusting and believing that the vision is not ours nor is it about us. If it is a vision from God and it is not about us, he will bring it about. Our job is to trust and obey. Have the security to start small, with the right people, in the right time and the right approach. Bigger or more is not always better. And have the wisdom to build deep, investing in and building people first rather than focusing primarily on building the project or ministry. It is “changed lives” that will “change other lives,” not necessarily well run programs or activities.
- How can I provide accountability for each other’s lives on our team? Will one-on-ones suffice? Will small groups suffice? Will periodic meetings with me be sufficient? What general/specific areas of accountability should be covered? For example: personal relationship with God, with one another, ministry satisfaction, financial health, thought life, and personal growth needs.
- What growth needs do I need to pay attention to for my team, both personal and ministry? Examples include continued personal learning, cultivating reading habits, language learning, more training or schooling. How do I find this out, maybe by asking periodically?
- Should I create a feedback loop so we can assess how we are doing as a team? Allowing others we lead to speak into our lives about how we are leading them creates deep appreciation and security, and tells them that we care about them and their thoughts.
Which of the 7 considerations above do you feel need the most immediate attention on your team?
Where will you start?
For more information on how to build an effective team, click here.