Have you ever been a part of a winning team or even a championship team? Or have you ever been on a losing team or one that constantly struggled to succeed? What makes the difference? Sheer talent or great leadership? My oldest son sent me the link to the video below. Even though its target audience is League of Legends online gamers, it contains some excellent principles, including financial, for any kind of team or family. It reminded me of when Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” (Matthew 12:25)
“TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More” —Unknown
“Many ants together can carry a beetle.” —Spanish proverb
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” —Aristotle
Teams and families are made up of people with varying talents and strengths. Successful teams recognize and utilize those strengths and talents. Unsuccessful or struggling teams have members with poor attitudes who want to be the center of attention or are looking out for ‘number one’. 1 Corinthians 12 contains the principle of teamwork, using the analogy of our body, and how we all work together with each having a different part. Verse 21 says, “And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.” Even members who seem less significant play an integral role. Communication, having a plan, and working together as a whole are key to a team’s success.
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” —Michael Jordan, pro basketball player
Part of being a member of a team is actually participating and not spending most of the time warming the bench, or pew, or couch. We can either help our team move forward, cause our team to move backward, or remain stagnant by our passivity.
“Wearing the same shirts doesn’t make you a team.” —Buchholz and Roth, guitarists
If a team is to reach its potential, each player must be willing to subordinate his personal goals to the good of the team.” — Bud Wilkinson, football coach
Coaches, bosses, church leaders, and heads of households are just as much a part of the team and generally hold the greater responsibility for its success. Although this post is not about leadership, every group of people when brought together for a common purpose looks to someone to lead, so it’s important to choose a good leader, if possible, who is also willing to subordinate his/her personal goals for the good of the team or family and doesn’t forget that it’s not all about him/her. It’s about each other, the common goal, and the bigger picture.
“Effective leaders are engaged in the lives of the people they are leading and are constantly seeking to understand how they can create an environment in which people succeed.” –Nathan Mellor, president of Strata Leadership, LLC
“Help others get ahead. You will always stand taller with someone else on your shoulders.” –Bob Moawad
“It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.” —Harry S. Truman, 33rd U.S. president
“The whole is the sum of the parts, so be a good part.” –Nate McConnell
If you liked this, you might also like: I Got Your Back!
October 23rd, 2013 at 3:43 am
How I hope to have a team who shares the same vision
October 23rd, 2013 at 7:20 am
I hope you one day have a good team that shares the same vision for the benefit of all. Thank you, Tienny. 🙂
October 23rd, 2013 at 2:49 pm
Rene, you are welcome and thanks for your hope 🙂
October 23rd, 2013 at 10:14 am
Great post and videos, Rene.
October 23rd, 2013 at 12:02 pm
Thank you, Bill! 🙂
October 23rd, 2013 at 11:10 am
Having been involved in team building, leading, and team supporting, I have found three important qualities necessary for a successful team. First a team must have a designated leader who is willing and able to lead, and has a strategy for winning; second there must be followers who are willing and able to follow, and third there must be communication between the leader and the followers. Everyone on the team must be able and allowed to contribute their talent as well as concerns. A leader who doesn’t allow a member to contribute their strength is not showing good leadership skills and is wasting a precious resource. Those followers who balk at the leader’s commands, or usurp the leader when legitimate, and clearly understood directions are given are putting the rest of the team’s welfare at risk. Communication means more than speaking, it means listening as well. It means listening to others concerns and addressing them, but once they have been addressed the ultimate decision falls to the designated leader. That applies to gaming, work, marriage, and life in general. And one side note to team building and winning; it pays to have a plan or strategy. I’m happy to say I have an infallible leader (Jesus Christ) who has laid out His strategy and had it printed out for me (The Bible) so there can be no confusion. Good one this week Rene; love the penguins.
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:57 pm
Thank you, Randell, for sharing the wisdom you’ve gained through your experiences, and expanding on the subject. Yes, it definitely pays to have a plan or strategy. Without a plan, there is inefficiency and chaos, because everyone tends to do their own thing at their own pace. Not having a plan means counsel and communication have likely not taken place, and the Bible has much to say about seeking wise counsel and the wisdom of planning. Thanks again! 🙂
October 23rd, 2013 at 11:27 am
I loved the videos… especially the penguins! Yes, absolutely, teamwork WORKS, in games, and in life. Thank you, Sweets, for sharing, and for helping us focus on what’s important, and what works.
g.
October 23rd, 2013 at 1:57 pm
I especially liked the penguins, too. Thank you, g, for your continued encouragement! 🙂
October 23rd, 2013 at 3:25 pm
As a Believer it’s critical to understand that one of the imports of Hebrews 12 is to show us we cannot be ‘benchwarmers’. As a member of The Body, if we do not use our gifts for the betterment of the Kingdom, the Lord promises discipline to MAKE us part of the team by our participation. Excellet blog!
October 23rd, 2013 at 7:52 pm
Yes, the Lord does so as a loving, Heavenly Father, who wants His children to be truly blessed. Thank you, Scott! 🙂
October 24th, 2013 at 6:25 am
What an incredible post! The power of relationship! Gods incredible heart!!!! GO TEAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
October 24th, 2013 at 9:06 am
Amen!! Love your enthusiasm, Geraldine, and I’m glad we’re on the same team! ♥
May 19th, 2014 at 1:06 pm
[…] If you liked this, you might also like… Wisdom Wednesday: Teamwork […]
March 3rd, 2015 at 6:51 pm
[…] Resolution Bucket: A New Strategy and Wisdom Wednesday: Teamwork […]