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!