Since working at River West, I've had the privilege of working in a number of teams. One team which I've work with consistently is our design communication team. Here are some things I've learned as I've engaging with that team:
1. Empower people not ideas.
Ideas are awesome, but they are not as important as people. Anytime your in a team environment, a think tank, a group session remember that the person you are talking to is more important than the idea your attempting to convey.
2. If you care about something, act like it.
When your serious, act like it. Some people are intuitive, many are not. If you want something to change you need to stand up for it, act like it, be passionate about it. Otherwise it will be swept under the rug with the momentum of a team.
3. Important plans need to be walked through with patience.
All good things take time to build. This is the same you work with any person in any environment. Serious project take intentional time to create amazing things. It's worth slowing down and taking the time to produce something excellent.
4. Be honest, in teams, not falsely confident.
Don't settle for false unity. Sure, you want to end a team meeting with everyone on the same page. But the process of getting to that same page cannot be rushed. False confidence doesn't help. You need to be honest; then work towards unity.
5. Set the outcome early on in the meeting.
Many team meetings are like a boat drifting in the ocean with everyone rowing in different directions. Set the agenda early on in the meeting. Then pull people back to the goal of the meeting as needed. This allows for creativity and efficiency.
6. Allow your ideas to change mid-conversation as needed.
You are not the only one in the room with a good idea. The point of the meeting is to allow the team to work together on a projects. A good leader has a confident idea where the team is headed and allows for the team to decide how to get there.
7. Ultimately, your team is about discipleship.
There are many reason to have a team. I would argue, leading people to be changed by Jesus is the most important. In all your interactions, in all your conversations, in every new innovative project that comes from your meetings, God is the most important. Learn to constantly lead the people on your team, as well as yourself, back to him.
