Working in groups requires communication, patience, and understanding. Working in groups is
about blending personalities, work ethics, and values. The same differences we have in life
present themselves in group work. Katzenbach & Smith had this to say about teamwork.
“Teamwork represents a set of values that encourages behaviors such as listening and
constructively responding to points of view expressed by others, giving others the benefit
of the doubt, providing support to those who need it, and recognizing the interests and
achievements of others”
For this course, I was paired with a great group of professional ladies that understood the
differences that we were all facing. This course presented differently as the world dealt with the
coronavirus pandemic and our lives were drastically different from what a typical course
challenges might have included. We were forced to communicate more openly so that all team
members were aware of each others challenges for completing assignments.
Dees discusses empowering and valuing team members (p.230) as an important part to
leadership. The members of a team should feel valued and know that you as a leader can’t do
everything alone. Each member is a meaningful part to working toward and reaching the
organizations mission. Therefore, teamwork and relationships are invaluable.
“Effective leaders forge alliances and build teams” (Dees & North, 2013). As we discuss our
group, it is evident that during these past 8 weeks our group evolved into a team. We worked
together for the common goal of moving one step closer to earning our degree. We learned our
strengths and operated within them and showed encouragement to each other.
The last topic is integrity. This is one of the leading qualities for a manager or leader to have. Its
overall importance for organization management and integrity sets foundational ground work for
success. “Integrity requires honesty and trustworthiness” (Satterlee, 2018) How can you lead if
you can’t be trusted? Will you team depend on your and work to their full potential if they don’t
trust you?
Leadership is hard. There are employees, directors, shareholder, CEO’s and consumers that will
be depending on you. You will carry the load of many as a leader. The apostle, Paul, gives us all
hope as he writes in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper
time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV). This verse serves as a every constant
reminder when I feel overwhelmed and that burdens and tasks get more than I can handle, I have
a promise from GOD that things will be better. Your reward will be greater than the sacrifice.
References
Dees, R. F., & North, O. L. (2013). Resilient leaders. San Diego: Creative Team Publishing.
Katzenbach, J. R., & Smith, D. K. (2015). The wisdom of teams: creating the high-performance
organization. Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press.
Satterlee, A. (2018). Organizational management and leadership: A Christian perspective (3rd
ed.). Raleigh, NC: Synergistics International.
Stuart, R. (2017, June 29). Leading with integrity. Diverse Issues in Higher Education, 34(11),
14+. Retrieved from https://link-gale-
com.ezproxy.liberty.edu/apps/doc/A498678345/BIC?
u=vic_liberty&sid=BIC&xid=e38318a2
Three Scriptures
Integrity
Leadership can be hard. There are employees, directors, shareholders, CEO’s and
consumers that will be depend on leaders to make decisions in the best interest of the company.
The apostle, Paul, gives us all hope as he writes in Galatians 6:9, “Let us not become weary in
doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV). This verse
serves as a constant reminder for leaders when they feel overwhelmed with decision making and
responsibilities, that choosing right will always be better than choosing wrong. The promise from
GOD is great reward if the leaders choose good over evil. Leaders that are fair and live by
Biblical principles at home and work garner respect and trust.
Self Awareness
Being self-aware is an important trait for leaders to have. As a leader to be aware of your
inadequacies can be helpful in your success. Knowing your strengths and especially your
weaknesses can help to motivate you (AIM, 2020). Romans 12:3 states, “ For by the grace given
me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather
think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each
of you” (NIV). When a manager knows their weaknesses, they can ask for help or work harder to
strengthen those areas. As the verse states, leaders should not think so highly of themselves, there
is always room to grow, learn, and improve, even as leaders.
Trust
Leaders need to be aligned with what God has for them, which builds trust within their
teams. In Exodus 18:17-21, Jethro, Moses’ father in law discusses working as team by stating,
“… ‘You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy
for you. You are not able to do it alone...’” (ESV). A leaders’ leadership style will help with
building trust in and with a team. Building and maintaining trust within their team should be an
ongoing goal for any leader.
References
AIM. (2020, March 5). Do the best leaders feel inadequate? Retrieved from
https://www.aim.com.au/blog/do-best-leaders-feel-inadequate
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