This kind of unity allows teams to care about each other at a deep level. They want what is best for each other personally and for their families. When one falls, they are there to pick them up.
This doesn’t mean they are without disagreement, however the vision is always held above the disagreement.
Breakthrough teams never forget why they are on the team together and remain fiercely focused on the goal. Sloppy, double-minded, and an uncommitted nature are not tolerated.
3. Breakthrough Teams Trust the Key Leaders.
Team trust is built on a foundation of openness and honesty. It takes time, the relational risk of vulnerability, and a willingness to be held accountable.
For the sake of context, we are assuming great character among the leaders. This means that intentions are always good, but perfection is not expected.
With this as the context, breakthrough teams trust each other to speak the truth, including the last 10%. There is no pretense and no hallway gossip. If there are questions or concerns, they speak up.
Remember, there is a difference in asking a question of someone and questioning someone. One seeks information, the other considers motive or character.
Great team members know the difference.
4. Breakthrough Teams Lead and Follow in Uncertainty.
I love the Old Testament story found in Joshua chapter six that describes the Israelites marching around Jericho. That’s an amazing story of leadership, faith, uncertainty and victory.
They did not know for certain, even those with the greatest faith, that the walls would actually fall.
But they marched and kept marching day after day. That is our responsibility, keep going.
Resilience within the culture of a team is critical to achieve the most challenging kinds of breakthroughs. We must often bounce back from setbacks before we achieve larger goal.
As you lead, the few things that are certain become precious, they become the north star of our faith. Things like:
- God has promised to be with us
- Jesus will return
- God is about reaching the lost
- This is His Church
Breakthrough teams hold on to what they know for certain, they hold tight to the promises of God while leading through uncertainty.
5. Teams That Break Through Walls and Barriers Resolve Conflict While in Motion.
Teams that care about each other, play well together, and remain unified toward the vision – still experience conflict. The goal is healthy resolution of conflict not avoidance of conflict.
Breakthrough teams on the move don’t stall progress or sought-after momentum to solve internal conflict, they have learned to solve disagreements on the go.
How do these healthy and productive teams manage this admittedly difficult task? Here are some practical tips.
- Own your stuff. Take responsibility for your contribution of the conflict.
- Always give the benefit of the doubt to the other person or persons.
- Check your own heart for insecurities.
- Get to the conversation quickly.
- Put the good of the team over your preference.
- Remember that an honest conversation, no matter how difficult, in an environment of trust nearly always goes better than you anticipate.
I hope these five practices are helpful to you. Perhaps you can take them to your team meeting and have a conversation on where your strengths and weaknesses are.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
