4-MAT BOOK REVIEW 2
Abstract
When it comes to an effective leader and team, there should be one that can carry the
team to greater and make them better as individuals and as a team. This is not about self-
gratification. Everyone is uniquely different and has certain gifts and talents that make
contributing to the team a joint effort. Lencioni’s book describes how the Ideal Team Player
should look and become (Lencioni, 2018). He further explains how the everyday aspects of your
life should play a significant part in accomplishing your dreams.
Lencioni uses his mentor as an example to make his determinations. He also breaks down
the book's three virtues, and key components to achieve, and they are hunger, humility, and
people smarts for the ideal team player character traits (Lencioni, 2018). One should always
remain humble, by doing so you leave no room for doubt or speculations that may come from
others. A humble person does not look at self-gratification but rather the success of the team as a
whole and jointly sharing in the success. With continued reading it shows that being humble is
the most important of the three virtues. This virtue shows the purity of the heart and what is
meant by becoming the ideal team player.
As the saying goes, there is no I in a team. Everyone should be working together to
accomplish the same goal. Being an ideal team player, a person will hunger to accomplish goals
that will allow the team to thrive, be productive as well be motivated, dedicated, and put in the
hard work it takes to give everyone the chance to shine. They always strive to go above and
beyond the call of duty and never have to be asked what to do or what needs to be done.
The ideal team player has matchless skills, and they thrive on perfecting those skills that
allow them to think smarter and sometimes outside of the box. They tend to make logical
decisions at work that will have lasting impacts. The team player is an essential part of any
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organization and shows they can go to the next level. They avoid altercations and conflicts by
producing an environment that attracts positive vibes. If any individuals are not in tune with the
rest of the team, it can cause issues with those willing to keep peace and may also cause
disruptions. The author gives us five dysfunctions in a team and the steps needed to overcome
them (Lencioni, 2018). For any team to be successful they must be willing to work together
towards the goals they are seeking to achieve. An ideal team player should know their roles and
play their part well.
Concrete Response
In my day-to-day duties with my current position, I am determined to be that team player
who goes the extra mile, above and beyond what I am required to do. I strive to be the best in all
that I do and do not take it lightly. I am often complimented on the work that I do and have been
rewarded because of it. Compassion for what you do and your job can make it much easier for a
team player to succeed in their job. I am the first person or face that my associates see daily, so I
must ensure that I have the right attitude, be approachable, and have a smile on my face. This
book clearly shows how a team can work together.
Ephesians 4:16 says, “From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what
every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share,
causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love”. Every team member is a part of the
body, fitting joined together to accomplish one goal. Combining each gift with the others and
welcoming what everyone has to offer to the team. If a team member does not fit well within the
group, it may tend to cause a shift in the progress of the entire team. Having compassion and a
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heart for your job will allow you and the team to be more effective in their performance. When it
comes to hiring team members, the organization should always hire individuals who meet the
requirements of the tasks being performed. Leaders will tend to delay firing individuals who do
not portray the necessary characteristics of a team player for a lack of fear (Lencioni, 2018). My
continued reading will allow me to better understand the differences between team members and
strategize different ways to get to know them better.
Reflections
The Ideal Team Player gives the reader ways to incorporate the three virtues of smart,
hunger, and humility into their daily life. One should also look for these attributes in potential
employees as an employer. In a new employment role, the employee should be able to adjust to
their new environment and their teammates. Showing teamwork within the work environment
contributes to how the hiring process can be beneficial to the company. With the three virtues I
find myself being humble as much as I can be.
I have a hunger to learn everything that I can in the industry that I am in, even in
ministry. I desire to be the best at what I do. I have a big heart for people, and I try to use a
discerning spirit when it comes to the tugging of my heartstrings. I tend to go above and beyond
in the workplace and ministry. I sometimes do easily forgive when I have been hurt or wronged. I
am quick to apologize when I have done something or hesitant when I know something has been
purposefully done. Most people who possess these virtues often have bad days as well (Lencioni,
2018). If there are workplaces that do not utilize these virtues, how will it affect their process of
hiring?
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If there were more examples of how to utilize the three virtues in the workplace, it would
be much more helpful to the hiring team to find the ideal candidates for potential employment. I
look forward to implementing what I have learned.
Action
Matthew 18:20, “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth
is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get
together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into
action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I’ll be
there.” When we work together, with a common goal in mind there is nothing that cannot be
done. No one person can do it alone. We are not superheroes and should not take on any task like
we are.
You do not make it to the top all by yourself, it takes teamwork and being a good team
player. The ideal team player brings encouragement and support to the team. Everyone will not
have the three virtues, but as a team, if they all combine those virtues the team will be
unstoppable. Personal growth and improvements daily will allow everything to flow with grace
and little to no hiccups. Being in leadership both in ministry and the workplace, one thing that is
of most importance is finding that potential candidate who will be the team player that is needed,
as well as possess those three virtues. How they can interact with others is key as well.
Having meetings and asking those tough questions will allow the team to see
where there is a lack and what can be worked on to be more beneficial. Being able to accept
constructive criticism is a good characteristic of an ideal team player. This is also one who can
set a positive example for others. I will work harder at utilizing these three virtues in my areas of
