Building an Effective Team: Part V

As a kid, baseball was my favorite sport. When we played backyard baseball, we often argued over who was going to pitch.

Although it was somewhat glamourous to be the pitcher, what was best for the team, however, was not having me as pitcher. It was better for everyone when I played second base or shortstop. The team was more likely to win if I were where I was best suited rather than trying to pitch.

In business, God has created each of us with different gifts. Unfortunately, many people try to take on positions that may give them the spotlight or glory rather than where they are best suited.

We may try to place ourselves in positions of glory, but for the sake of the team, we’re better off serving in our area of giftedness.

1 Corinthians 12:18 says, “But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”

One of the challenges of a leader is to take seriously the responsibility of identifying who should serve in each role. When you place the wrong person in the wrong seat it will negatively impact the team.

To have the most unified and effective team, identify each person’s God-given talents and place them accordingly. You will have more success, as will each teammate.

Questions for Reflection

• What are the different positions needed in your team? Should new positions be made? Should some be removed? Is everyone in a good place or should roles be shuffled a bit? Does anyone have additional talents that could be better utilized?
• What would the most effective version of your team look like? How might you help your team become its best version? How do you want to see your business changed? How might you build better cooperation within your team?

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