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Just go with it!


As a member of a group, when faced with a task or project at work, a volunteer organization and even Church, we undoubtedly have formulated in our minds a way in which to go about accomplishing the mission.
Whether it is due to experience, or just a thought or two we’ve established, we all can derive a plan on how we think the steps should progress towards accomplishment. This is fine when it only involves us as an individual. However, this is not always the case when it comes to working as a team, group or organization.
Every team, group or organization will most assuredly have a leader or co-leaders which leave everyone else as “followers” or subordinates. They are in charge and, like you, have a picture in their mind of how to accomplish the mission. Much to our chagrin, chances are, these ideas will be much different than our own.
Tensions can rise and discontent amongst colleagues can become cancerous when thoughts, feelings, and ideas differ greatly from the leader. Here it becomes too easy to criticize, complain, whine, and grumble about how “this is so stupid”, “this is crazy” or “this is the dumbest way” to accomplish the mission.
Let’s face it, we may have some great ideas and, sometimes, our ideas are actually better or may make things easier to accomplish. But the fact remains: we are not the leader. We are not in charge. We are the “followers”. These are those moments that require the mantra: “Go with it!” That’s right….just do what the leader says and follow his or her direction, course of action and expectations.
This is not the time to openly criticize, complain on social media or “announce to everyone” how your ideas are so much better and how your plan is so much easier and could get the job done quicker and better. Now, more than ever, the team, group or organization needs you to come on board and be a team player.

Here is why you need to “go with it”:
a.    You will be seen as a team player
b.    You will gain respect from your supervisor and fellow subordinates
c.    You will show you can be trusted and are dependable
d.    You may be entrusted with greater responsibility for future projects
e.    You may one day gain enough credibility to be promoted to leadership.

Here is why you should avoid openly criticizing the decisions of the leader:
a.    Your negativity will drive others away and you’ll end up isolated
b.    Your words could be reported to superiors jeopardizing your job
c.    You will not be seen as a team player and will be ostracized
d.    Your consistent negativity promotes distrust and a loss of credibility
e.    Your negative spirit will make you appear incompetent and arrogant
f.     Your negative expressions creates levels of stress and irritation
g.    Your bad-attitude could get you fired or low ratings on annual reviews

Remember, as they say, there is no “I” in “Team”, but there is “I” in “Win”! Don’t jeopardize your reputation, credibility, or Christian testimony by being openly critical, negative or pessimistic about how your leadership guides the mission.
Besides, “following” and being a team player is Biblical. Ephesians 5:21, tells us that we should be “submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Hebrews 13:17 says “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit.”
            Yes, there will be times when it makes no sense, causes confusion, or even makes it harder by adding more “steps to the process”….but, for the sake of the mission and the team….go with it! After all ‘TEAM’ is an acronym for “Together, Everyone Achieves More! Get on board….be a team player….go with it!

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