Never Underestimate the Power of a Team
Today I had the privilege of facilitating a discussion on the subject of teams with the staff of Workplace Chaplains, U.S. during their annual retreat at Young Life’s Timberwolf Lodge in northern Michigan.
This diverse and committed team of professionals provided such a lively and inspiring discussion about teams that I thought you’d appreciate some of their insights.
To the question “What’s the advantages of being a team?”
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”
“It refines you as a person – ‘iron sharpens iron'”
“Provides discipline and accountability”
“Teams are better image bearers of God than individuals”
To the question “What’s the qualities of a great team?”
“Raise people up to another level”
“Teammates trust each other”
“Unselfish teammates”
“Share a common goal”
“Win”
This team described “the types of people who make up great teams”
“Dedicated to the team”
“Committed to a shared goal and mission”
“Loyal, love and respect each other”
“Elevate people around them”
“Prepared to perform and ever improving”
“Intensity and strong work ethic”
“Self aware and coachable”
Finally we discussed the work of Patrick Lencioni found in his book The Five Dysfunctions of a Team which provides the following outline for creating a great team:
- Trust
- Constructive conflict
- Commitment
- Accountability
- Attention to Results
As you can see from our notes we had a great time together and one I pray will make a difference in their work and in the lives of the people they serve.
By the way if you’re responsible for the care and development of people in an organization you need to consider Workplace Chaplains whose mission is to “partner with client companies to provide care, counsel, and crisis management services for their employees from a Christian perspective.” You will be providing a great service to your people and helping to improve the performance of your organization.
