Choosing Your Leadership Team

Years ago, my middle school band was invited to perform at a special event. Right before our performance, an invited choir from another school sang. My band director, who was sitting next to me, leaned over and said, “I don’t know why anyone would prefer choral music over instrumental music.” Here’s my question: would you want this person on the senior leadership team of your church or ministry? Before you rush to judge him for his comment, consider a few other facts. He successfully “managed” over 75 middle schoolers, which was no small task. He was recognized as a high performer in his field, having won numerous awards for his bands. He truly was a rock star (except that he didn’t like rock music). His accomplishments made him exactly the kind of person to whom we often give a seat at the leadership table. And yet, this is often a mistake. Patrick Lencioni talks about “Team Number One.” It’s a mindset that puts overall organizational goals ahead of the needs of an individual or a department. It requires an ability see the big picture, and to make strategic decisions in light of this. It’s a key attribute for the members of an effective leadership team. The problem with the band director, and with many of the other people that we put on our leadership teams, is that they can only think of their specific ministry areas. They come to the leadership table as advocates. Can you imagine my band director agreeing that the choir, rather than the band, should receive extra funding? You may have a brilliant and successful person on your team, but if he or she can’t put on the “Team Number One” hat and think broadly and strategically, they don’t belong. So how is your leadership team working? If you’re not satisfied with your answer, is it because you have a great band director sitting at the table? It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>