Working as a Team

Over the last year, Bob and I have had opportunity to lead a group for Christian singles called Single Focus.  During this time, we have made many mistakes, but we have also learned some principles in working together as a team.

Working as a team can be frustrating at times, no doubt about that.  But the days of the Lone Ranger are over and it’s time to learn how to work as one.  Ecclesiastes 4:9 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour.”

First of all having a clear vision is mandatory.  Everyone involved must know what the rules are, and what is expected.  People must “buy in” to the reason for the teams’ existence in order to be committed to it.  There must be agreement concerning the way of treating people and solving problems.  Effective communication is of uttermost importance.

Once detailed goals and plans have been clearly written and put in place.  Each member must be responsible for specific tasks with a date attached to it.  This gives each person an objective to achieve and can set up a program of steps to complete it.  They can get ideas from other members of the team in order to have an effective implementation of the program plan.  Regular meetings are necessary to set up achievable targets, and allow each member to be recognized for their accomplishments.

The long-term vision must be translated into smaller objectives that provide realistic steps within a certain timeframe.  If the steps are too small, they will become bored with meaningless repetition.  Therefore the steps need to be large enough to be challenging but small enough to be realistically achieved.

The leader must monitor behaviour, recognize achievement, encourage commitment, and reward performance in both formal and informal ways.  Honest and valid feedback on a regular ongoing basis is essential.  Asking group members to critique the performance of their own work during team development or planning sessions can also be helpful.  Planning for improved future performance is also essential to increase meaningful rewards and recognition.

Finally, celebration must be enjoyed and fostered to keep a group together for long periods of time.  Sometimes the mandate may need revision or to be adjusted to the changing needs of the people being served.

As you develop your skill of working together as a team, you will enhance your life and those around you.  It may require more work in the beginning, but it will produce long-lasting benefits for your future.  Don’t take the easy way out.  Learn how to work together as a team.  You will be glad you did.