Christian values can build a good foundation of trust, respect, and unity in building a successful team. Here's how to foster a strong team using these principles.
Lead with Humility
Servant leadership is a backbone of Christian values, that is, putting the needs of one's team first over personal needs. Leading humbly fosters collaboration—a tight-knit relationship within the team. Leaders are at their best serving instead of dominating. They create a culture where every voice counts.
Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others." This can be a guiding principle within team dynamics to provide an environment where all contributions from every member are valued.
Encourage Accountability
Integrity lies at the heart of any Christian teaching; and it becomes crucial in the building of a great team: There can be accountability within a team. A team can hold one another accountable by responsibility to do a specific task to the best ability and be committed to fulfilling it. Allow openness and honesty within the team so that individuals can be free to admit mistakes—as long as there is no judgment but rather improvement.
Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This verse gives a the vital ingredient in bringing about accountability through pressing one another into growth, both in professional and personal contexts.
Create an Encouraging Culture
Teams are encouraged to be supportive and encouraging. Morale and unity within the teams is witnessed during the times when team members celebrate the success of each other or help one another out in times of failure.
Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths but only such as is good to gratify with, that it may benefit those who listen." Words can either encourage or discourage people, developing a culture where giving positive feedback and encouragement will help positively establish teams.
Encourage Unity and Forgiveness
Conflict within the team cannot be avoided. However, how it is dealt with will either strengthen your team or weaken it. The Christian values allow for forgiveness, empathy, and reconciliation. Members of the team should try to understand the perspective of the other and work towards a peaceful resolution in case of disagreements.
Colossians 3:13 says, "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." By forgiving, you will not allow those petty conflicts to wreak havoc within the team.
Pay attention to a mutual cause. Teams based on Christian values often have a purpose higher than self-interest in professional success. Members can be more deeply motivated and fulfilled when their work can be connected with the purpose of serving others or a greater mission. A sense of purpose unites a team and enables them to stick together through difficult times, staying committed to their endeavors.
Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Teams working together in service to others—to ultimately honor God—create impact ripples long after the team is gone into both the inside of the walls of their organizations into and the community at large.
Want to learn more? Contact us here!
Comments