It takes a team!
Dear Pastors
Over my years in pastoral ministry, business and Board work I have seen over and over again the power and effectiveness of high performing teams as opposed to churches and ministry organisations where the team thingy is at a low level or worse non-existent or even worse still dysfunctional and completely broken down.
Just to be clear. A team is different to a group. We all have to work with groups (sometimes called committee’s). Groups are simply a small number of people who find themselves together not by design or on purpose but by chance or happenstance. A team on the other hand are a small group (usually) of people who have an agreed upon goal to achieve, are committed to each other, and are very respectful of the talent and skills each person brings to the table. High performing teams are usually selected or appointed rarely voted on.
In the last 6 months I have started two new Christian organisations. Once again I have seen the power of team. To be dead honest, there is no way we would have achieved the results to date without the commitment and hard work of my two small teams.
The 3C’s of team selection are still as relevant today as ever.
Character. This is especially important in Christian work. Are these folks on your team the same when no one is looking as when they are in the public eye? How are they at home?
Competency. High performing teams need the right talent at the table. It’s as simple as that. I hold the view it is better to pay a little extra to hire the talented person than skimp on this one.
Chemistry. This is about ‘fit’ and suitability in relation to the others on the team. Do these people compliment each other? Do they like each other?
As Jim Collins so well-articulated:- Are the right people on the bus AND in the right seats on that bus AND are the wrong people off that bus (and need to be on another bus)?
Finally. I have learnt this. What is the level of trust that exists between all members of the team but especially between you as team leader and each individual member of that team? I am convinced more than ever that in Christian work whether that be in a local church or a ministry organisation trust is the glue that holds the whole thing together. When all is said and done Christian organisations will survive major upheavals when all the teams are relationally strong and not only trust each other but love each other as well.
Blessings
Alan
Raising Resilient Kids in Hamilton and Tauranga was a resounding success. We are in Upper Hutt and Palmerston North this week. If you would like to see Kathryn Berkett in action for a few minutes have a look here.
Carey Nieuwhof is one of the ‘go to guys’ on insights and wisdom on the church life and growth. He will be in NZ in May to teach a seminar designed for Pastors. Details here.
Alan Vink is currently the Executive Director for LeadershipWorx. Prior to this role he has been the Executive Director of Willow Creek Association NZ (WillowNZ), a Baptist pastor (23 years), Bible College teacher, and church consultant.
