Why Teams
Jesus sent His disciples out twice, once to the Jews only (Matthew 10:5-6, Luke 9), and the other time to everyone (Luke 10). Note that He sent them out in groups of two and how the following five points all relate to why
two (or more) are better than one:
1) B
etter
decision making and
problem-solving
.
When team members can bounce ideas off each other and create new ones through synergistic brainstorming sessions, better decisions are made and problems solved more efficiently and effectively.
2) Participation yields improved understanding and greater acceptance of plans and decisions.
Consider the potential negative outcomes when leaders make decisions alone and pass them down to their people. Coming to consensus decisions and creating plans together may be harder work but implementation is much easier as everyone is in agreement (vs. top-down coercion) and willingly takes responsibility.
3) Higher levels of motivation and performance.
When everyone has been invested and involved in decisions and planning, they are more highly engaged in fulfilling the mission.
4) Overcoming personal biases and
blind spots
.
Doing things in isolation can lead to one-sided or prejudiced thinking. Often we need others around us to help gain perspective and prevent us from making poor decisions.
5) Exploring new ideas and adapting easier to change.
Team members help each other consider new ideas and process change. Mutual support and encouragement that supply the extra energy to move things forward are unavailable to the individual.
[Next week’s post will examine the BEING aspect of a serving team leader.]