W O R KI N G W I T H C H UR C H S TAF F
97
Process of Team Work
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Several processes are inherent in building a group that functions as a team. The following processes as outlined by Jeff Story are typical:1 Aggregation – This involves convening or meeting. Always choose the best possible people, and attempt to choose people who bring different perspectives to the team. At this stage, everyone will have diverse goals and will bring different backgrounds and experiences to the group. Resist the temptation to choose people who are just like you; however, don't choose people who have adversarial traits. Emulation – This stage can also be called posturing or competing. At this stage, the goals are diverse, and each member wants the team to see what he/she can bring to the group. At this stage the leader will see (clearly displayed) the contributions that each person will make. Some will want to study the subject longer, some will want to move toward decisions, and others will want to spend more time defining the problem. During this stage, tensions can mount, and the group can fragment. Clarification – During this stage, the leader must give direction to the group and clearly define the role that each team member should play. The leader should define these roles verbally so that each member is affirmed and knows what is expected of him/her and the other members of the team. Unification – At this point the team goals become clear, and everyone begins to do his/her part to achieve the defined goals. The team leader must remove barriers that will inhibit success, and he/she must create an environment that encourages success. The leader's function is to be the conduit between resources and results.
Summary
Each team member should be carefully chosen for what he/she can offer the team. Choosing team members is one of the most important jobs of any group and should be approached with great care and committed prayer. Whenever possible, utilize various personality and learning style profiles to assist the team in choosing the right person. Team members should represent different viewpoints and perspectives. If you choose people who share similar personalities, learning styles, and other traits, you'll end up with a team of
____________________ 1 Jeff Story, "Team Building and Lay Leadership," Church Administration, no.2 (November 1998): 41, 25.