Business Journal
  
 Teamwork or Team Not Working?  
Leading Solutions for Leading Business  
from a Christian Perspective  
 

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If you would like to know more about a Synergy Group near you or discover how leadership focused solutions can help you take your business to the next level, please contact Michelle Sugerman or visit her website. 
 
 
ANNOUNCING
 
Teamwork or Team Not Working?
By Michelle Sugerman

I actually laughed aloud when I read this definition of teamwork: “Teamwork (n.) 1. cooperative work done by a team (especially when it is effective)”.  But, maybe this isn’t so funny!  I have always assumed the term teamwork implied effectiveness.   Perhaps, this is not the case.  So, what does make a team effective?  One of the best examples of teamwork is in the book of Isaiah:
 
“They have come near and gathered together.  People help their neighbors and say to their relatives, "Be brave!" Craftsmen encourage goldsmiths. Metalsmiths encourage blacksmiths who work at their anvils. They say that their soldering is good. And they fasten things with nails so they won't move.” Isaiah 41:6-7 (GWT) 
  1. They encouraged each other: “Be brave” or strong they said.  Each team is comprised of individuals and those individuals can grow weary.  Even geese flying in ‘V’ formation squawk to the lead goose to root it on!  The lead position is difficult because it meets with the most wind resistance (sound familiar?).  Because each shares this lead role, geese are able to fly longer and further.

  2. They produced high-quality work:  Each specialist contributed his expertise.  These individuals did by hand and the naked eye what we use machines and magnification for today.  Imagine the attention to detail these penniless people must have given to precious metal and valuable cedar, cypress, and oak.

  3. They offered feedback: “They say that their soldering is good.”  They freely communicated across specialties.  Just think of people in your organization reaching across departments or industries to connect.  Or for someone to notice your work and then say, “Great Job!”  People on teams thrive with open communication about the facts, core issues and praise.  Teams working with other teams need the same thing.

  4. They banded together: neighbors and families alike pitched in.  Some contributed materials, some contributed skills – all were focused on one goal.  Unfortunately, that goal was trying to replace God with wood and metal objects shaped like gods.  Even effective teams can have poor goals.
At the time, the captives of Babylon were working cooperatively and it was very effective.  So effective, in fact, God reminded them no less than seven times, “there is no other” God but Me.  In spite of the unfortunate results: encouragement, high-quality work, feedback, and collaboration made their team work.
 
Sources: God's Word® Translation, www.biblios.com
 
Michelle Sugerman is a business consultant and leadership coach offering a complete system for Christian business leaders, owners, and their secular teams. She combines 16 years in the corporate world with Christian principles to empower clients, readers, and audiences throughout the United States.  You are invited to inquire directly about these opportunities by email or by phone at (303) 632-8908.

  
S.W.O.T. Analysis Workshop: What's Bugging Your Business?

DATE: Thursday, October 1, 2009 (RSVP by Noon on Sept. 29th)
 
TIME: 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM (Check-in begins at 7:00 AM)
 
LOCATION: Your Castle Real Estate (9085 E. Mineral Circle, Englewood CO)
 
COST: $40.00 (includes materials)
 
What’s bugging your business? Are today’s Weakness and Threats adding to the pressure of leading your department or business? Do Strengths and Opportunities remain untapped?
 
It’s time to get serious and SWOT those bugs! Gather with other Christian professionals to fine-tune your mission and vision. Get instant feedback on your organization’s internal and external influences. Explore possibilities and take action.
 
  

Words of Wisdom
 
None of us is as smart as all of us. - Ken Blanchard
 
 
 
 
 
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