Core Values: Teamwork

Successful teams have many common qualities. Trust, healthy conflict, commitment, accountability and attention to results are some of these qualities, which we at Genesis believe are a strong foundation that makes us an excellent team.

Successful teams are trusting: Members of great teams trust each other on a fundamental and emotional level. There is comfort within the group to be vulnerable with each other and not afraid to express weaknesses.

Successful teams have healthy conflict: Members of great teams are not afraid to have challenging and passionate dialogue about issues or the performance of the team. Agreeing on all points or work processes is unrealistic and unnecessary. The goal of healthy conflict is to discover the truth, the best decision, and the best solution for the team; it is not about making a point or winning an argument! Healthy teams take the initiative to hold one another accountable.

Successful teams are committed: Members of great teams are committed to the company and to the success of the team. There is a sense of ownership and buy-in among strong teams.

Successful teams are accountable: Members of great teams are not afraid to humbly and gently hold one another accountable to excellent standards.

Successful teams are attentive to results: Members of great teams lay down their personal agendas to serve the best interests of the team.

Patrick Lencioni’s Ideal Team Player

Humble: more interested in others than self.
Hungry: willing to do what is necessary to get things done.
Smart: people-smart and able to adapt their behavior as needed.

So what do these virtues look like in action within a church? Here’s what I’ve seen:

Humble team players are willing to put the needs of the entire ministry over the needs of their individual ministries. They also give credit to God without ignoring or devaluing their gifts.
Hungry team players execute on plans without being pushed or reminded. They aren’t slowed by problems but challenged and motivated by them.
Smart team players understand how to engage others, empower them, and coach their effectiveness. They attract high-capacity volunteers because those people know they are valued and will be given the opportunities to use their gifts.

References

• Lencioni, P. (2005). Overcoming the five dysfunctions of a team. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
• Lencioni, Patrick. The Ideal Team Player: How to Recognize and Cultivate the Three Essential Virtues: A Leadership Fable. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Print
  https://joemcfadden.org/2016/07/25/the-ideal-team-player-by-patrick-lencioni-notessummary/

Article Written By: Cameron S. Ashworth, M.A.

Blog Post By: Sarah Warner, M.S.