Biblical Team Building

Ephesians 4:16 outlines the importance of a team in our faith. Without a community to rely on, we risk failing to fully glorify God in our actions.

Likewise in the workplace, unfocused team efforts can cause major failures in companies, like reduced sales, lower employee retention rates, and dissatisfied customers.

Creating a team built on Biblical principles is a promising way of ensuring a healthy workplace environment and future productivity.

Team Building

I think it is important to define the responsibilities then properly delegate them. For example, if a client calls me with a concern that I am not sure how to handle or I’m not an expert at, I have the confidence that I can pass that along to my team and it’ll be properly handled.

Galatians 6:2 reminds us rely on one another. When building a team, fostering trust and reliability is critical in encouraging your team members to rely on one another.

Having reliable team members is priceless in my personal and professional productivity.

Communication

I am a huge proponent of over communication.

In business, it’s important for leaders to be able to communicate the company’s vision and mission, as well as produce effective feedback to the team. Without constant communication, a team fails to create a strong work environment.

Actively listening is a skill that is learned and perfected through consistent team interaction. I have to be very conscious of my listening skills and engagement in my conversations, both personal and professional.

The book of Psalms is filled with scripture urging community members to be slow to speak and quick to listen, especially chapter 18.

In the same light, building a strong team on Biblical principles includes the balance of constructive conversation. I’ve found that providing effective feedback to my team greatly enhances my comfort in conversations. I very much appreciate knowing what I am excelling in and where I can improve.

Some tips to effective feedback are:

• Watch your words – Choose accurate language and avoid being vague (nothing is worse than not knowing where you stand on a subject).

• Balancing feedback and praise – Make sure to not only point out the problem areas, but also the successful developments (a little praise and encouragement can go a long way).

• Make it a two-way conversation – Don’t dominate the conversation, but instead invite the other party to play an active role in the discussion (‘cause no one likes a conversation-hog).

• Identify the issues – Create a clear outline of what the problems are and what the desired outcome could be (voice your ideas on a solution; creativity is good).

• Make a list of possible solutions – There isn’t always one right answer so be sure to list all the options; ask other professionals for their advice (here we go with the lists again…).

• Come to an agreement – Oftentimes it can be easy to exit a discussion with the impression that you’ve reached an agreement; clearly outline the solution to emphasize clarity (clarity is key).

Solutions

Problem solving is a skill that ranges across the business and personal realms. When working on a team, seeking effective solutions is critical to the overall development of the team.

Colossians 3:13 encourages team leaders and members to be patient with one another, as well as having a forgiving heart. Implementing actions towards combining your faith and business visions and can attract the kinds of employees you’re wanting and increase the likelihood of reaching agreeable solutions.

Character

I’ve been really interested in the book of Romans for the last three years because it is filled with character-developing goals.

In chapter five, Paul outlines reminds us that we are “justified by faith” and we have gained access into heaven from the grace that God gives us. He continues to explain that “endurance produces character” and that “character produces hope” (Romans 5:1-5).

I think remembering the importance of grace and endurance is a great way to build personal and professional character.

Maybe you’ve hit the lull in your career and you’re just tired. So tired to the point that quitting sounds really great right about now! It’s in these times where the enemy swoops in and tries to steal our joy. It is easy to succumb to the negativity that can result from monotonous work, but I want to encourage you to strive for joy in all your action.

Likewise, strive for joy in your relationships with Christ and others. Take time to look at the positives in the workplace: increased sales, new team members, new strategies, good team morale. Also, take time to look at the positives in your walk with Christ: the small blessings in your life, the healthy relationships, your interactions with others.

Like a business, your personal character is always developing. Make sure to periodically reevaluate what is/isn’t working in your spiritual life, what you want to see in the future, and plans to move toward those character-building goals.