How Committed Is Your Team?
How Committed Is Your Team?
I was perilously close to being fired. My job as a manager was the opportunity of a lifetime. I oversaw a thriving metropolitan automobile dealership. At first, everything seemed fine, but it wasn't long before sales declined, and problems appeared. Yet, I was working harder than ever. What was wrong?
My boss could find someone else to run his business but instead he chose to have a meeting with me. Our talk became a turning point that changed my philosophy of leadership and helped me understand the importance of becoming a team leader.
He said: "You are usually on the sales floor talking to customers."
"Yes, sir." I answered, thinking he would be pleased. "I try to meet everyone personally and I try to be involved in every sale."
He paused, then said: "So, why do I pay twelve salespeople when you are doing most of the work? Unless something changes, I will either fire all of them or I will have to fire you!"
The boss discovered my critical weakness. I was limiting our efforts to my capabilities and energy. One individual, no matter how talented, can only do so much. However, one person leading a team can accomplish miracles!
How committed is your team?
The Bible says: “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Building committed teams is based on our ability to encourage. More than giving a compliment, to encourage means: "To inspire with courage, hope or resolution." My boss inspired me with courage, hope and resolution. I left his office determined to be a committed team builder and an encourager.
How committed Is your team? This means you were not meant to work alone. Dreams seldom bear fruit unless others share your passion. No important dream is accomplished without help. Anyone who plays team sports or sings in a choir or works in a restaurant understands that one person, no matter how talented, cannot do it all. No pastor can be successful without a church full of people filled with passion, working together serving Jesus Christ.
Over the next few years as a manager, I still enjoyed meeting customers, but our work became a team effort utilizing the best of our gifts and talents. Being an encourager helped me succeed and stay employed. As a church leader, it is important to foster teamwork and offer encouragement. Only then will we begin to act as a committed team filled with God's Holy Spirit.
“Digging Deeper: Three Questions for Pastors and Church Leaders” will challenge all of us to walk away from the habits and practices that prevent our churches from being fruitful and effectively.
Check out the book: "Digging Deeper: Three Questions for Pastors and Churches" on Amazon.com