What is your definition of a team player? Over the years, I have discovered that not everyone defines “team player” the same. There appears to be two almost bipolar understandings of the term. This difference existed when I was in the business world and it continues now that I am in professional ministry work.
Let me describe the difference:
I have a friend who serves on a church staff. His pastor describes a team player as someone who follows the rules and never questions authority. To this pastor, it is a sign of respect if his followers obey him. They are truly part of the “team” when they comply with the direction he has set for it. The church rewards team players who do not disrupt the set flow of the organizational structure the pastor has established for the church. The church punishes those who fail to play as a part of the “team”. The pastor expects each team member to lead his or her ministry separate from the other players on the team in hopes that the combination of individual efforts will help the entire church reach the goals set by the pastor.
I define the term “team player” quite differently. I, too, am a pastor and I lead a team. I expect that each person on the team is to play a part in helping the church set goals and seeing those goals become reality. I personally am offended when someone on the team refuses to bring his or her own original ideas for the entire church to the table for discussion or feels his or her input is not welcome. If one member on the team’s ministry struggles, it affects the entire team and it becomes the entire team’s responsibility to help them. I, too, believe that each team has a leader, who must make final decisions and set ultimate vision for the organization, but I welcome challenge to my authority if done with the intent of helping the church succeed. Those rewarded most with this definition are those who work hardest to help the entire church, as well as their personal area of responsibility, achieve its goals.
Which of these real-life scenarios best fit your definition of “team player”?
I’ve had this particular issue come up a number of times in my life; and yes, it finally led me to look up the definition of teamwork which as you say is bi-polar. I think the issue is about organizational fit and orientation as described by Talbert Parsons or clearly outlined by systems thinking philosophies. The bottom-line is that both are true, however the organization that employs the hierarchical style is much less flexible, innovative, and democratic. The result is that it is very slow to respond to chaos and or difficult environments. Your preference in valuing, questioning, opinions, challenges is a healthier approach for individuals and organizations that want to stay relevant. If fact, in most ways it holds more faithful or spiritual practices / concepts than the more traditional structures.
Thanks so much. Good insight. —Sent from Mailbox for iPhone
Like Jeff said there is a time and place for both.
But I like the second, it gives everyone an opportunity to bring their gifts, life, and heart to grow and benefit the team.
Thanks!
Well certainly Ron’s first example definately would not be a good choice for myself. Those involved in a successfull teamship atmosphere must have a sense of ownership of the task at hand. One person directing every move made gives the team a feeling that they are just mindless robots assisting the leader in acheiving his task. Myself being a team leader has worked hard in involving every member of my team in every task. Thus the success is owned by all of us. And if failure rears its head…Its much easier to deal with knowing we took it together as a team. Unfortunately the BIG BRASS usually has the close door with only me…(downfall of being a manager) LOL
I do not have experience in a pastoral sense of teamwork, but my experience is in healthcare. Teamwork is very important in healthcare, and questions on teamwork are often part of a job interview. For me, the team is all of the staff: nurses, techs, janitors, material management, dietary- everyone involved in patient care. My definition of teamwork is a group of people working towards the same goal, without being confined in the terms of their job description. In other words, putting our job (which is our patient) first and seeing “outside the box” of their job description, to get this done. For example- I am a nurse but I can help someone urinate on a bedside potty chair and empty and clean that chair and return it to its storage place just as easily as a tech can. I should do this when a patient tells me that they need to use the bathroom, rather than wait on a tech to do it. I can clean the room when I discharge a patient and change the linens in preparation of a new patient, rather than wait on a janitor to do it. If a patient pushes a call button, I can go help that patient even if they are not assigned to me. Doing whatever it takes, helping your co-workers when you can, is the way that I define teamwork.
Once again, great post!
I prefer team 2 in which each person has a voice into the team and the direction that the body moves. While I will default to my Sr. Pastor in some areas of direction I believe we each need to bring ideas to the table otherwise there is no real “team” aspect. It just a bunch of workers getting the job done for an individual.
Each person should serve in their strengths, understanding that they serve a vital role in the overall ministry, and when they achieve a “win”in their department the overall ministry wins.
There is a time and a place to speak in the negative on an idea that is proposed by the Sr. Pastor and depending on how the church is structured that may be in a staff meeting or a private conversation with the Sr. Pastor. We each need to know which forum works for our environment – or we’ll soon be out of our environment…
Open, honest conversation and dialogue seems to be where overall health in a team comes from.
Thanks for the post.
I loved this post! The only thing I can add is that I believe that not only should one discover what their definition of “team” is, but they should also discover how someone they might potentially work with would define it. I have served with pastors from both sides of that fence and it helps immensely to know where one stands as soon as possible in order to effeciently work together. I have asked potential co-workers in the past their view of team work when we were interviewing for positions. I am not going to say that everyone has to have the exact same thought as to how to define teamwork, but it certainly helps to be somewhere in the neighborhood of the same thought. Now to answer the question you asked. For me, it is simple, I prefer the second scene. I love the open discussion from all avenues. I have learned a great deal from others simply by welcoming their imput. I think the major characteristic of the best staff I was ever a part of was the ability to sit together and speak openly and honestly about our work. Thanks for making me think Ron!
As a leader I want team members to bring skills to the table that make up for my weak areas. Team members need to know that they can disagree without the fear of retribution. Once all the information has been gathered and a decision has been made then we go to work as a “team” to make sure it is accomplished.
Well said Pastor Ron,
Bringing the Idea to the table John 12:44 And Jesus cried out
and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but
in Him who sent Me. Noting Matthew 10:40 {NASB}
And blessed is he who does not take offense at Me.
Matthew 11:6, Noting John 17:17-23 {NASB}
Be Blessed always…Peace!
Sincerely In Jesus Christ Our Lord,
a fellow servant-Jim Legington
God Is Love, God Is Good, God Is One! Amen!
Our Motto: “Together We Stand Blessed” Hallelujah!
Great thoughts Ron. I think both types of team can function well, and that there is a place for both. I think your mission should define the type of team you form and the situation should help determine how you lead. I think of a military officer or a sports coach who needs to gather input from their team prior to battle or a game, but needs to have obedience during it. I know that I prefer both leading and being on the second type of team, but that there is a time and place for the first as well. Thanks again for making me think!