Is Yours a Winning Team?

All church office teams are not created equal. For secretaries, some are more effective, more creative, more energetic, and some just plain more fun than others. Everyone wants to serve on a strong team, a team where all members are encouraged to use their gifts and talents. Certain characteristics consistently define winning teams.

On Mediocre Teams

• Hierarchy is very apparent. Virtually all ideas move from the top down. Support people are seldom involved in decision making--even in areas where they are closest to the problem.
• Lines of responsibility are sharply drawn, and staff members jealously guard their turf. Others seldom feel free to comment on another's area of ministry.
• Little regard is shown for the work schedules or personal space of support team members. Typically, deadlines are ignored and/or changes are made and not passed on to the secretary until the last minute.
• Administrative staff members are seldom recognized for their contributions to ministry. Extra hours and effort expended for special programs are seen as part of the routine and not acknowledged.
• The pastor maintains tight control and rarely considers the opinions of other staff members. No consensus is sought on objectives and goals.
• Honest, open evaluations and exchanges regarding problems are not encouraged among staff members. In crisis, people tend to withdraw and cast blame.
• Conflict is not confronted; an atmosphere of strained toleration takes over. Staff members may be displeased with one another or with circumstances, but it is easier to cover up problems than to solve them. Personal growth is hindered as unresolved issues smolder.

On Winning Teams

• The leader is the leader, but input is encouraged from all staff members. Decisions are sought from those closest to situations. If, for example, the financial secretary will be using the accounting program, she is involved in choosing it.
• While team members are assigned specific areas of responsibility, they see the ministry as a whole. They freely exchange ideas, support all the programs of the church, and mutually help one another.
• Professional consideration is demonstrated to all team members. Deadlines are respected at every level; when changes are necessary, information is relayed in a timely manner so work can be rescheduled.
• Appropriate appreciation is expressed for duty "above and beyond." All staff members recognize the extra efforts of others. The issue is not one of giving credit as much as it is one of acknowledging contributions.
• The pastor leads; opinions of the team are encouraged and respected. Staff members are trusted to follow through on assignments; actions justify that trust.
• Team members are free to discuss ideas and problems in staff meetings. Many crises are avoided; those that occur are faced as a team and solutions sought.
• All staff members, from the top down, work to operate as a team. Personalities may clash, but members are comfortable enough with each other to discuss problems as they occur. All grow professionally.

 

Share your thoughts with other readers:  Post Comments   Rate this Article