Leadership: Building Strong Teams

If there is anything I have learned over my 20 plus years in leadership, it's that I have to BUILD a great team, I am not given a great team. And where that sounds easy enough, most of us will give up on building part because it comes at a cost. It will take you through a process of frustration, hard conversations, mentoring, correcting, shaping and adapting, and hopefully a beautiful relationship will come from all the pain of building something from the ground up.

So how do we build strong teams around us that will not only be productive but will reproduce the same leadership culture that they have experienced through you? I want to give you 3 strategies that will make you a better leader that people want to follow.

You need to become a pro at reminding your team what your values and beliefs are. Become a broken record. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Why? Because values and beliefs leak more than anything else in your organization. Just expect it. You may think, "they should know by know...", well guess what, they don't. It is up to you as their leader to over-communicate expectations, bring clarity and set vision and goals. Don't nag or beg. Set a clear and passionate vision that people can remember and buy into with your heart and soul.

1. GOAL
What does it look like for your team to win? If they don't know what their win is- how will they know when to celebrate?
2. PLAN
How are we going to get to the win? What systems, structures, routines do we need to get there?
3. MY PART
Always assume they are thinking you are talking about someone else. Teach them their part in the plan. What are they personally responsible for? What's their part? What's the thing only they can do? Make it personal to each team member. They matter.
4. THE WHY
Remind your team the 'why' you do what you do? Remind them of their purpose. Remind them that the details matter. Show them testimonies and examples of how they made someone's life better because of what they contributed. People will follow the 'WHY' not the "what."

Care for your team members. Really care for them. Ask good questions about their life, their families, their hobbies and their interests. Listen to their responses. Remember what they tell you. As your relationship with them builds, don't be afraid to ask  about things that they need or what is something they are going through that you might be able to help them with. Know they care. Don't just call them when you need something. You don't like that when people do it to you, so don't do it to them.
Create unity through your teams. Remind them and show them how they work together. That they can trust you and because they trust you, they can also trust the other people you placed on this team. Have fun together. Surprise them. Buy ice-cream on a random afternoon. Celebrate the wins together. REWARD YOUR TEAM. Give public recognition for productivity and team spirit.
Add value to your team. These people are giving you the best of themselves. Reward it. Partner with them. Celebrate with them in the victory and cry with them in hard times. 

Conflict doesn't have to be so hard and horrible. You can actually get really good at having conflicts with your team. In moments of disagreement, don't be discouraged. Take a pause. Listen to them and ask good questions. Why are they upset? Why do they disagree with your perspective? Listen to their responses. If it is a tense situation, let God settle your heart before you respond to them. You are the leader. Rise above and respond in wisdom and not haste or pride. What is the right thing to do? Grow through the conflict. Find a resolution and come out stronger on the other side.
Refuse to get offended. God covers you in your ugliest moments. Cover your team. Rise above your insecurities and know that He put you with this team member for a reason. Don't allow offense and bitterness to take root in your heart. Lead you team well through moments of conflict. Respond in wisdom and understanding. You will create a safe work environment where people will trust you have their best intentions at heart.

I hope these strategies encourage you and your leadership becomes stronger with them working in your life. Your influence matters and the world needs secure leaders who actually lead and not manage people. Enjoy your team members, love what you do and make a difference in the world.

Pastor Josh Cody | HOPE POINT CHURCH

Hope Point Church exists to point people to the hope of Jesus, one family at a time. Our service times are Sunday at 9AM and 11AM. Hope Kids is available at every service for kids ages 6 weeks through 5th grade. We would love for your family to come worship with us. You can find more information at www.hopepointkc.com.