Having an effective, fruitful organization (church, ministry team, business) requires more than pulling a group of people together and calling them a team. Effective organizations create a culture within that cultivates successful fruit bearing results. Here are some components for that type of culture.
1, A continuing system of training. Leaders are made, not born. Train up everyone to be a leader of their own abilities. Not everyone can be the leader, but everyone has the potential to be a leader. Provide quality ongoing training that assists each person in rising to his/her potential. Training is a key component missing in many churches and organizations today. Provide ongoing training and resources that enable each person to be equipped for the task and furthering their personal growth.
2, Open avenues of communication – from the start. Open, two-way communication is vital to the effectiveness of any organization. Many leaders stifle two-way communication, wanting only top-down communication to get the job done. This stifles communication and effectiveness. Two-way communication means observing, listening, adhering, and implementing wise and usable input from anyone on the team.
3, Improve the environment. Regardless of your length of existence, age of facilities, or size of your organization, there is always room for improvement. Every member’s desire should be to provide the very best environment possible, for everyone. One person should not desire a plush comfy, $200 chair to sit in while everyone else is expected to sit in metal folding chairs. Provide the best quality furnishings and resources to be afforded on your existing budget.
4, Cultivate a team approach to leadership. Whether you are the pastor, CEO, or top person in your organization, or you are the newest member of an organization, opportunities for shared experiences and responsibilities are critical. Teams provide support for one another. Also, fruitful teams provide friendly accountability. Friendly accountability is not holding others oppressed under your thumb. It is lifting their tired arms in Aaron and Hur fashion (Exodus 17:12-13). A team approach always holds each member in equal esteem assisting each one to perform at his or her best.
5, A positive, caring atmosphere. People will always perform at higher levels when in a positive, caring atmosphere. Knowing that we are accepted and cared for fulfills one of man’s basic needs and it breeds fruitfulness. A caring, positive atmosphere removes anxieties and stress allowing each person to work/serve without many of the stresses of life.
Certainly, these are not all inclusive of the makeup of a fruitful team. However, build these into any team and you will have an effective, fruitful team. Which of the five components will you focus on first, this week, with the teams to which you are affiliated?
George Yates is an Organizational Health Strategist and coach, assisting churches, organizations, and individuals in pursuing God’s purpose for life. Click here to receive this blog in your email inbox each Tuesday.