week 4 responds
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week4replies.docxKedeisha Cooper
YesterdayJul 14 at 7:27pm
MacMillan (2001) asserts that for teams to work effectively, the members must be friends is a misconceived idea. He further argues that relationships are essential to high-performance teams. They can function without friendships. He cited technical structured groups, including surgical teams, engineers, and costume designers, as examples of teams that work successfully together. MacMillan instead proposes that successful teams need solid relationships. Solid relationships are determined by the team’s ability to combat the daily interaction-related challenges.
In Macmillan’s (2001) description of solid relationships, teams are limited by the level of genuineness and depth of relationships. This conclusion is made after examining trust, one of the critical components of teams. Macmillan declares that in a team relationship, trust results from confidence in another’s competence and character, and team members will not work closely with anyone they do not trust. However, once trust is established, momentary slips in the work performance can cause team members to withdraw their trust. These moments of “withdrawals” signifies that trust has an emotional and intuitive nature. They also serve as an indication that trust in teams is conditional. The fragility of the trust also demonstrates that it is shallow and not authentic. In contrast, scripture points to relationships that are defined by forgiveness, the ability to bear another’s burdens, devotion, patience, and real intimacy (Matt. 6:14-15; Rom. 12:10; 1 Corinth. 13:1-13).
Respect is another critical quality of teams that is sometimes limited by the level of genuineness and depth of relationships. Respect involves showing appreciation for the individual contributions made to the team. Unfortunately, sometimes teams overlook or ignore those on teams that have a minor role (MacMillan, 2001). At the school where I work, one of the steps taken to show appreciation for the team is the inclusion of all staff in special celebrations. The school calendar even has a special week of celebration for the various groups within the staff. An example is Support Staff Week, where members of the janitorial and security staff are guests of honors at a school assembly. There they are gifts and tokens of appreciation from the entire school.
The value statement that I would use within my current ministry to promote the value of solid relationships among team members would be formed from Psalm 127:1. Psalm 127:1 says “except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” For over ninety years, this has been the motto of the school where I work. This scripture is a powerful reminder that knowledge, talents, financial resources, and even success are futile efforts if God is not in it (MacDonald & Farstad, 1995). Therefore, “Except the Lord is at the center of the relationships, the team works in vain.”
References
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. L. (1995). Believer's Bible Commentary: Second edition: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
MacMillan, P. (2001). The performance factor: Unlocking the secrets of teamwork. roadman & Holman Publishers. https://liberty.alma.exlibrisgroup.com
YesterdayJul 14 at 10:54pm
Discussion Thread: Cultivating Healthy Relationships in Team Ministry
Team Ministry is vital to the community
1.) Can teams be effective without solid relationships? I believe that teams can be effective without solid relationships, but their work will be slow and minimal. When relationships thrive so does the team building as people work together and a unit and not as individuals with separate agendas. Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Team building was the foundation of Jesus ministry as he called out a team of men and made them disciples. Matthew 28:18-19 Therefore Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. In MacMillan (2001) chapter 8, teammates don't have to be best friends. Diversity in a team is good. However, solid relationships bring a strong lasting team. Teams with formed relationships can brainstorm and provide a cohesive work environment to prosper, grow and flourish.
2.) Are teams limited by the level of genuineness and depth of relationships, or the lack thereof, among team members? Many teams are limited by the lack of relationships which can be detrimental in business. Dr. Troy Temple (2022) discussed building the ministry team. Team ministry is essential and practical. It is important to stay humble which can help team members have a respect for who you are and what you can do with in the team.
3.) Produce a value statement that you can use within your current ministry context that promotes the value of solid relationships among team members. My motto is: Teamwork makes the dream work! I encourage everyone to recognize that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. Ecclesiastes 4:12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. When a team has a dream and goals, they can reach great heights of success. The sky is the limit in dreams and production with creativity to find meet the people's needs and raise finances.
Blessings and Peace,
Rhonda
Reference
MacMillan, Pat 2001. The Performance Factor, Nashville, TN Broadman & Holman.
Temple, Dr. Troy 2022. Building the Ministry Team (Part 1), Liberty University.
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