“None of us are as smart as all of us.” -Pastor Daniel Williams
The reality is that we, as individuals can accomplish a lot on our own… But we’ll never be able to accomplish alone what can only be done with all of us together.
“Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Psalm 133:1
Even in scripture, we learn how importance teamwork, but it can be so difficult to obtain. Here’s the top three things I’ve learned about keeping a team mentality:
Share a vision, not a task list
Yes, tasks will be shared, but what is most important is to bring everyone around a common vision and goal. Without a clear goal that stirs inside of each person on your team, you’re guaranteed to loose people much quicker to burnout and keeps people from giving their best.
Play everyone’s strengths
What makes teams so difficult is that everyone is different, but this can also your team’s greatest strength. It’s amazing that we are not only good at different things, but how some people can absolutely love doing what others would never do. Learning these things about your team can be invaluable in making sure you have people not only doing what they’re best at, but what they enjoy and fulfills them (which is not only better for the team’s success, but also its health).
Delegate everything you can
This one has been, and always will be the thing I struggle with most. Handing over important tasks, projects, and especially management is extremely difficult. The reality is that the biggest bottle neck most teams will face is their leader. The best advice I’ve ever heard is that if someone can do something 60% as well as you then you should have them do it instead. This may seem easy, but I realized very quickly that 60% is a very far way from 100%. Nonetheless, teaching others and delegating areas of responsibility (and truly letting them take it over without you micromanaging them) is the only way to utilize a team well and will encourage everyone to take part and work as a team rather than a one man show with many helpers.
I’d love to hear if you have more thoughts on ways to keeping a team mentality in the comments below.