Secrets To Building A Team

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If Teamwork Makes The Dream Work, How Do I Find A Team?


One of my favorite verses to quote from the Bible is Ecclesiastes 4:12 (NLT): "A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken." We were not created to be lone rangers wandering through life in solitude. God created us for connection and community. We need people in our lives who encourage us, challenge us, and nudge us to go higher. We need people who will remind us who we really are when doubt tries to creep in. We need a team to travel life with. In his book, "CARE to Win," author Alex Draper shares how to develop a team that will assist us with our personal and professional growth and help us move toward success. C.A.R.E. is an acronym and when we apply each letter to our own team development, we ensure that we are building toward our ideal self.

C - Clarity

The opposite of clarity, of certainty, and of specificity is chaos. When we have a clearly defined purpose and plan we are able to thrive on a team. We must know our role and play it well. In addition, I must know that my teammates are playing their roles to the best of their ability. We need to have clarity in order to understand what our team is meant to be and do, and what our role is on the team.

A - Autonomy

No one likes to be controlled and feel that their voice does not matter. Every teammate must be empowered to make decisions and not be micromanaged. A team becomes successful when when each teammate is free to contribute ideas and experiences that align with the overall vision for the direction of the team.

R - Relationships

Humans are, and always have been tribal people. God said it is not good for a man to be alone and created Eve for him as a helpmate. We need relationships and when a team is built of individuals who know they are loved, valued, and cared for the team becomes excellent.

E - Equity

Fairness for all teammates is critical for a team to gel. Obviously, there will be times when an idea I contribute may not be selected as one the team goes with, but all teammates need to know their needs are being met and their voice is being heard. We need people in our lives and on our team. We cannot journey alone and we need community. Be an excellent teammate and excellent teammates will come to you. I currently have the privilege of working with a team who is shaping the direction of the Christian Church on the unit I'm assigned to. We dream together, we challenge each other, and we care for each other. Some days we disagree, and some days we have to refocus to make sure we have clarity and share a vision. I need my teammates in this endeavor to create a safe and positive environment where people can grow in their relationship with Christ. In addition, I need a team in my daily life who will surround me when I feel overwhelmed and need some love, or tough love. Find a team. Join a team. Live life together!

Want to join my team?

I am always looking for passionate, faithful, hope-filled people who want to make a difference. Add me on the Securus App and let's dream big, plan well, and declare to the world, "I Choose Hope!"

Like Trent's blog? Subscribe to his monthly newsletter at ichoosehope.substack.com.

Contact Trent directly by creating a Securus e-messaging account at SecurusTech.net or on the Securus App. You'll need his full name, State, and facility (Trenton Blythe, Texas, Texas Department of Criminal Justice). He'd love to hear from you!

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