{"id":518,"date":"2013-06-12T12:01:14","date_gmt":"2013-06-12T12:01:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.resourcezoneinternational.com\/?p=518"},"modified":"2019-06-24T00:59:00","modified_gmt":"2019-06-24T00:59:00","slug":"launching-effective-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.resourcezone.com.au\/?p=518","title":{"rendered":"Launching Effective Ministry Teams"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"GroupOfYoungLeaders\"<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead
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In almost any ministry situation today effective teams are a key, but how do you create such a team? Effective teams do not simply \u201chappen\u201d. They have to be built. As you move forward in building teams, you can learn a great deal by examining the experience of others.\u00a0 Here are some insights from people who have been working in team-based ministries:<\/p>\n

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  1. Don\u2019t prejudge people.<\/b>\u00a0 Those people who initially appear to be good team leaders sometimes do not turn out to be the best choice, while others bubble up to the surface as teams continue to develop.\u00a0 These emerging individuals are what we look for. Their ability and level of commitment constantly surprises us.<\/li>\n
  2. Realize that structural change is becoming more challenging.<\/b>\u00a0 Structuring teams in older traditional ministries is among the most difficult of challenges.\u00a0 It takes extra time to turn around a group that is comfortable relying on an established system of leader and worker. It can be hard to let go of a system that has been institutionalized but has little reason to be continued.<\/li>\n
  3. Be careful not to isolate your teams from each other and the shared vision.<\/b>\u00a0 Teams need to have contact with each other to generate synergy and to share encouragement.\u00a0 Isolation slows momentum.\u00a0 Bring the various teams together to share what is going on.\u00a0 The success of others often encourages those who are finding it hard work.\u00a0 Also, the shared vision can be reiterated and each person\u2019s part, as well as the team\u2019s part, can be tied to the whole.\u00a0 There are many creative ways of doing this, and team members are often not short on imagination in this area.<\/li>\n
  4. Be prepared to make adjustments in your ideas of leadership style.<\/b>\u00a0 The shift from being a director to being a coach will need to be negotiated and reinforced along the way.\u00a0 It usually takes a minimum of 12 months to fully make the transition.\u00a0 A common struggle in the initial stage is the tendency to keep a tighter rein than most teams are comfortable with.\u00a0 There is widespread reluctance by leaders to share responsibility.\u00a0 The number one reason for this is fear that the job won\u2019t be done correctly.<\/li>\n
  5. Don\u2019t assume that because leaders have agreed to do it, that it will be easy.<\/b>\u00a0 Most ministry organisations discover that a great deal of persistence is required when teams are faced with unforeseen challenges.\u00a0 However, because there is a higher degree of ownership and commitment on the part of everybody involved, these snags along the way are easier to deal with and overcome.<\/li>\n
  6. Regularly check to see if your activities and strategies are linked to your vision.<\/b>\u00a0 Core values form the foundation for your unique vision.\u00a0 They represent \u201cour way\u201d of doing things.\u00a0 Values should be sharpened as an organisation develops and matures over the years.\u00a0 They become more contagious and less negotiable.\u00a0 Values and vision represent the best means for determining \u201cfit\u201d for prospective team members. A chief responsibility of leadership is to courageously align the various ministry teams within the overall vision.\u00a0 With maturity and sensitivity, this process can be carried out effectively, refocusing rather than inhibiting the creative gifts of each individual.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Quotes on Team Building<\/b><\/p>\n

    A team is a small number of people with complementary skills who are committed to a common purpose, goals, and approach for which they hold themselves mutually accountable \u2013 John Katzenbach and Douglas Smith.<\/i><\/p>\n

    There are three keys to making a successful team: (1) Coming together is the beginning. (2) Working together is progress. (3) Staying together is success. \u2013 Henry Ford<\/i><\/p>\n

    When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality. \u2013 Joe Paterno<\/i><\/p>\n

    The point of the game is not how well the individual does, but whether the team wins.\u00a0 That\u2019s the beautiful heart of the game, the blending of personalities, the mutual sacrifices for the group success. \u2013 Bill Bradley<\/i><\/p>\n

    In the movie Rocky<\/i>, the boxer Rocky Balboa sums up the power of teamwork and synergy as he describes the relationship between him and his girlfriend: \u201cI\u2019ve got gaps, she\u2019s got gaps.\u00a0 Together, we\u2019ve got no gaps.\u201d<\/p>\n

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    \u00a0<\/em>
    \nColin is the Director of ResourceZone International, a ministry that publishes a wide range of quality resources. Colin is responsible for the research and development side of this ministry. He has thirty years of experience as a pastor, lecturer and consultant\/coach to consultants, coaches and leadership of a wide range of organisations. He is a recognized authority in areas like coaching, leadership development, team building, organizational health and growth. He can be reached at     info@resourcezoneinternational.com<\/a><\/p>\n

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