The Ultimate Team Leader (Part 2)

(read part 1 here)

Team leaders should give clear instructions. 
Jesus tells the disciple what to do next.  The problem is identified - hungry people.  The team is stretched - testing Philip.  The solution is discovered - Andrew’s crazy idea.  Now comes the step that the leader steps in and gives instruction as to what should take place next.  Jesus has the disciples go around and get the crowd of thousands to sit down on the grassy slopes.  Jesus doesn’t reveal every step of the plan to his disciples, he simply lets them know what to do next.  Perhaps through giving one step at a time Jesus is teaching his team to trust.

Team leaders should recognize the source of their team’s provision.
We don’t know if Jesus praised the little boy for being the only smart person in a crowd of thousands who is prepared.  We don’t know if Jesus shouted, “Brilliant idea Andrew!”.  We do know that Jesus took the time to give God thanks for His provision.  A good team leader is quick to point out to the team that the team’s success hinges on their trusting God and including God in on their team’s efforts and plans.

Team leaders should know how to delegate.
Jesus then asks the disciples to pick up the leftovers.  He does two things in this request:  Gives the team opportunity to experience God’s incredible blessing and provision in a hands on way.  He also recognizes the importance that everyone on the team serve together.

Sometimes as leaders we take on too much and then our team misses out on opportunity to use their gifts and talents.  I have found on many occasions that I was doing a task that someone else on the team could do and probably do better than I could.  When we delegate we allow others to serve and we can focus on what we are good at or what only we can do for the team.

Another interesting aspect in Jesus delegating is that he didn’t just throw out the command to the team.  Jesus clarified the purpose to the task he was asking them to do, “so that nothing is wasted”.  In delegation it is wise to let the team know the “why” behind the task that they have been asked to do.

So when your team comes up to a problem or an issue that needs solving make sure you follow the example of the ultimate leader.
> Address the Problem
> Look for opportunities to test the team
> Give clear instructions
> Recognize God’s provision
> Delegate with purpose

The Ultimate Team Leader

The Ultimate Team Leader

John 6:1-14

Jesus is our example, he shows us how we are to lead those who follow us, he shows us how to be a team leader. In John 6:1-14 we find Jesus and his disciples as they arrive on the other side of the sea of Galilee that they are followed by a huge crowd. In this passage of Scripture we get a glimpse out how Jesus led a team. We get to take peek at how Jesus and his team of disciples were going to handle a problem together.

Team leaders should address the problem.
Jesus presents the problem they are facing together, inviting the team to join in on the solution. Jesus points out the obvious problem to the team, “All these people have followed us here. It’s dinner time. How are we doing to feed them?”. Jesus could have just spoke the word and everyone would have had a bag of Chick fil a in their hands.

Teams will face problems or seemingly problems there is no escaping it. Things can move along smoothly and appear to be fantastic and that can quickly turn to an immediate issue that needs resolution. Jesus sets the example that a leader looks to their team to join in on solving the issue or working on the problem together.

Team leaders should test the Team
Jesus puts Philip to the test. Growth as a team can come from problem solving together. Testing creates opportunity for an individual on the team to stretch themselves, to search out a resolution, technique or system to solve the problem. A good team leader will put scenarios in front of team members so they can push towards finding solution and in doing so grow in skill as a team member. Philip was the team’s realist but we are about to see that Andrew was the team’s dreamer and every team should have a balanced mix of both.

Team leaders should listen to the team
Jesus listens to the team as Andrew shares, “Here’s a kid’s lunch with 5 pieces of bread and a couple of fish.”

Team leaders listen to their team. I would have said that Andrew’s solution was ridiculous, there’s no way that it would work. Jesus shows us as leaders that we should take the time and listen to those on our team, that is part of working together as a team. Even though we may be the leader we are still an individual part of a team and there are others on our team who have some good input to give.

To Be Continued . . .

Underage Dating

"You can follow them on Facebook – the failed attempts at love, I mean. Somebody is always changing their status from “in a relationship” to “single.” Unfortunately, a huge number of these disappointed lovers are too young to be legally married. I wonder sometimes if I am the only one who winces to hear a thirteen-year old speak with cavalier abandon of his or her “ex?” Since when is it considered healthy and acceptable for underage people to be in “relationships?” Just what do parents and educators expect to be the result of the romantic conquests of these middle-school children and young high school students? " Read More

The above is a good article about a problem I have watched for 20 years of working with teens. The constant dating and breaking up cycle sets up a pattern for their adult years. It desensitizes them and then when they become an adult it is easy to end a relationship.

Most parents, I find, don't have a plan for their child's dating future in place when their child is young, like early elementary. So when their daughter has a "cute" relationship with their "little boyfriend", the parents don't know how to respond when this cute relationship is months into it and obviously become very serious because their little girl has let all her friends get kicked to the curb as her life is absorbed with this boy, who she "loves so much". Then they don't know how to step in and draw the line as a parent because they let a seemingly innocent relationship go way too far.

You gotta have a plan. I do for my kids. And for my daughter . . . I own a couple of shotguns that I will sit on the porch and clean them if some boy starts to think he can hang around my girl. My daughter won't date a boy until that boy is spiritually mature enough to be her spiritual leader. My sons won't date girls until they are spiritually mature enough to be the spiritual leader in the relationships.

Every date is a potential mate. Who is your kid dating? Do you have a dating plan in place? If not you should seriously consider getting a plan in place mucho pronto.