I use this outline to teach church teams the principles of team building.
Note – this is not the only possible way to get maximum output. This is how to build the team. The best team, operating at 80 – 90 % output, is more than good enough. Team Building is based on respect and trust.
1. Get the Best!
- Get team members who are better than you.
- Get specialists (and train specialists!).
- Make sure that you, the leader, are the dumbest guy in the room.
- Seek them out, be watchful for them. Always look for great members to join your team.
2. Delegate, delegate, delegate
- Stay in touch with your team. Use frequent group sessions.
3. Buy team loyalty with your loyalty
- Back them up; fall on your sword for them.
- Cover for them. Don’t hang them out to dry.
4. Enable them
- Get your team members the tools for which they ask!
5. Be straight with them
- Give your team members the real situation. Secrets and make-believe scenarios prevent your team from doing their utmost.
- Let them know the limitations with which they must live.
6. Do everything you can for them
- Lunch with your team. Fellowship with your team members.
- Sacrifice for them. Servant-leadership is essential.
7. Learn from your team
- Listen to your team members. Recognize that team’s strength is in team members’ individual gifts, skills, and creativity.
8. Honor their needs
- Make life possible! Respect their families, their working and learning styles. and their individual identities.
9. Let them be brilliant
- Never dampen or dull the efforts and ideas of your team members. Let them shine.
10. Promote them
- You will lose team members to bigger and better projects. That’s OK! They have work to do and projects to lead. Help them reach their dreams.
- Remember: you’ve got more good people (we have waiting lists)!
11. If someone wants to leave, make it easy for them without malice.
- Departures should not be negative.
12. Don’t give up command
- Pull your weight.
- Do your job. Be diligent.
- Fill in team members’ jobs when needed.
- Set the goals.