Teamwork

Dear Pastors

Teamwork

I regularly swim in the Raglan harbour, usually early in the morning. It would be rare for a Waka Ama not to pass by. Six people on an Outrigger Canoe all rowing in the same direction and all giving the same effort. This is one of thousands of everyday examples where we see teamwork at work. But some teams are just better than others. In fact, many so called teams are not really teams at all……they are groups – individuals doing their own thing giving the appearance of a team but on closer inspection are not a team at all.

Many of you will have seen this graphic in earlier days. It’s a simple illustration of a powerful concept.

May be an image of animal

T = Together
E = Everyone
A = Achieves
M = More

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships”. - Michael Jordan

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success”. - Henry Ford

“ In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvellously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t. Romans 12:4-6 (MSG)

What Makes For High Performing Teams?

There is a whole seminar needed to adequately answer this question but here a few thoughts (reminders) for pastors and Christian leaders.

1. Participative style of leadership
High performing teams need ‘a captain’. However, the style of leadership should be participative not authoritarian or domineering. A great leader ensures everybody is on the same page, builds trust, and keeps the team focused. Good leaders draw the best out of people. In churches this needs even greater skill because most of the team members are volunteers.

2. Talent & Skill Diversity
A winning team isn’t just about having the best individuals—it’s about having the right combination of skills. The right people in the right places for the right reasons. A mix of strengths ensures the team can tackle challenges from different angles. Related to this point is the issue of personality. Every person brings there unique personality to the team. Personality is what gives colour and texture to a team.

3. Communication
Teams succeed when members communicate openly each other. This fosters collaboration, minimizes conflicts, and keeps everyone moving in the same direction. In my experience the functionality of the ‘communication loop’ is a key role for the team leader. How comfortable are you with honest and candid conversations?

4. Resilience & Adaptability
Challenges and setbacks are inevitable. The best teams stay flexible and agile and are very careful to hold onto former ‘ways of doing stuff’. High performing teams learn from failures, and adapt quickly to changing circumstances.

5. Work Ethic & Commitment
Talent alone isn’t enough—consistent effort, discipline, and a willingness to push through tough times set winners apart.

6. Positive Culture & Team Chemistry
A strong team culture boosts morale and motivation. When people enjoy working together, they perform better. Morale is a lot like your bodies temperature. If it’s not at 37 degrees you will feel off. Morale refers to the overall attitude, confidence, and enthusiasm of a group or individual, especially in a work or team environment. High morale means people feel motivated, positive, and engaged, while low morale can lead to frustration, lack of motivation, and poor performance.

7. Continuous Improvement
Great teams never settle. They analyse their performance, seek feedback, and always look for ways to improve.

And before I head out for an early coffee you may like to check this out:-

Peculiar, Yet Not Peculiar Enough: My Reflections on ARC 2025
March 20, 2025 by Daniel Strange. I wasn’t at ARC but I have listened to the talks from Os Guiness and David Brooks. Both were absolutely brilliant IMHO. However, this review and reflection by Daniel Strange is worth a read.

Blessings
Alan