7 Foundational Points for Developing Team Minded Culture
One of my greatest strengths, both in ministry and in business, is the ability to develop teams. One of my favorite teams that I have ever had the privilege to build and be part of is the young adults small group ministry at my church. Shout out SUB30! We started with 2 groups and have grown to 40+ groups with 50% of the ministry in weekly attendance!Today I want to share 7 foundational points that have helped me develop multiple team minded cultures over the years. These 7 points have become the standard for how I begin to develop culture within teams.
1. All successful teams are built on trust.
Without trust, you don't have a team. Teams begin with trust! Building trust is a topic of its own. However, here are some basics: be transparent, always communicate, never talk bad about any member of the team, and ask for honest feedback.
2. You aren’t the only one working hard to make this thing work.
This one used to be a struggle for me in my career. I used to look around and notice that I was working harder or putting in longer hours than other team members. However, once I began to understand this point, I looked at them without comparing them to myself. I then realized that I was better off helping them grow instead of letting bitterness fester.
3. Remember that the team is counting on you.
When you're focused only on your piece of the puzzle within the team, it can be easy to quit when you feel tired. However, if you can step back for a moment and remember that what you are doing is vital to the success of the rest of the team, it can keep you going! Always press on for the sake of the team. Don't act based upon how you feel in the moment. Keep the bigger picture in mind!
4. What you are part of is far greater than the role you play in it.
It's not about you, and it never will be. The temptation to make what we are doing about ourselves will always be there. We must reach a place where we learn to avoid ‘ME’ thinking and shift our focus to ‘WE’. A practical way to do this is to use inclusive words, never exclusive.
5. Share your vision for the team with the team.
Without vision, the people perish. This one is especially important for the leader, but it applies to the entire team. It is important for the entire team to be involved in the vision. An example of this is the DailyPS About Us page. This page was developed by multiple members of the team. This gives us all buy-in, because the vision belongs to us all.
6. Every person on the team is equally important.
In the body of Christ, God considers each of us as equals regardless of the role we play. We are all members of the same body; and a body doesn't work properly without every piece. I encourage you to read this passage of scripture on the topic: 1 Corinthians 12:20-27. Build your team with this mentality!
7. Stay loyal to the team.
One of my least favorite things to see is individuals jumping from team to team whenever they think there may be something better on the other side. Don't be that type of person! Focus on the team you are currently part of and help develop a strong team minded culture within it. A team full of loyal people will be the strongest team.I hope that these points encourage you to develop a strong team minded culture based on the vision that God has placed inside of you!