In this four part series, we’re comparing teamwork to a good recipe—individual ingredients may be bland or bitter, but combined in the right way the result is mouthwatering! The teams we are a part of can be found in many areas of our lives. We may be part of prayer teams, elder board teams, groups in our community or school, sports teams, or ministry teams. We hope this series will strengthen and develop your involvement and leadership in any team you find yourself a part of.
In part 1 of our series, we introduced four truths about teamwork. In part 2 we began by looking at the first three key ingredients of healthy teams. We will continue here in part 3 by looking at the Biblical story of the Tower of Babel. This fascinating story will help us identify ingredients 4-6. In doing so, I hope you will continue to be encouraged by your role in the teams you are a part of.
Tower of Babel
In chapter 11 of Genesis, we see people working as a team to build a giant brick tower. Their dream as stated is that this structure will “reach to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4). There is a lot we should not seek to imitate in this story—like their pride, arrogance, direct disobedience to God’s command of filling the earth, and their thinking works could get them to heaven! However, while the story of the Tower of Babel doesn’t end well, it is a fascinating lesson in teamwork.
Ingredient #4: Shared Vision
As the story of the Tower of Babel unfolds, a foundational key to teamwork emerges: a common vision.
Genesis 11:4 says, “Then they said, ‘Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens. … ’”
Common vision is a unifier that takes the mundane and infuses it with meaning. With vision a team’s energy, effort, and focus is channeled towards a single goal that matters most. Vision is the compelling why that motivates what team members do. The people of Babel had a clear understanding of the goal and they “bought into” the vision. While their goal wasn’t God honoring, it still speaks to the power of shared vision. [1]
How clear is the vision for your team? A clear vision brings understanding and buy-in; both elements are critical to your team’s success. Consider these thoughts to determine a clear vision:
- What are your goals?
- What are your values?
- Think about your preferred process.
- Consider your timeframe.
Ingredient #5: Correct Tools
Have you ever tried to accomplish a task without the proper tools? It’s difficult!
Making bricks to build the Tower of Babel required the right tools. Genesis 11:3 says: “They said to each other, ‘Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar.”
Every team needs the proper tools to accomplish their task. Maybe it’s technology, instruments, hardware, budget, or rest time. In this case, it was bricks and tar. Whatever it is, as a leader you should be asking yourself, What can I do to help my team do what they need to do? Proper tools will increase efficiency, decrease frustration, and set your team up to succeed.[1]
Equipping your team with the right tools will communicate to them that you notice their needs and care about what they do.
Are you equipping your team with the proper tools? What might be lacking? How can you provide it? Maybe you make a list of all the tools your team needs. Try to think of what other tools might make the work easier. You could even ask your team for ideas.
Ingredient #6: Good Communication
Throughout the story of the Tower of Babel we see communication as a central element.
Genesis 11:1 says: “Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.”
Communication is what allowed the people building the Tower of Babel to clarify their vision and rally around their cause. The people were united and, together, would accomplish a great deal. Even God comments in verse 6: “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.”
Good communication is a momentum builder in teams. We can all point to communication gaps in our lives and leadership and among our teams. We’ve all experienced the frustrations that happen when communication is unclear, disjointed, or incomplete. But for a team to maximize its potential, good communication must be everybody’s responsibility. Without healthy communication many teams fail.[1]
What does healthy communication look like in your team? Here Are 10 yes/no questions you might want to consider or reflect on:
- I maintain eye contact with the person I am talking with.
- I pay attention to the non verbal signals I am giving to make sure they line up with the words I am saying.
- I demonstrate that I am listening by nodding my head or saying words like “yes” or “I see”.
- I try to understand another person’s point of view by asking questions.
- I treat others respectfully even when I disagree.
- I refrain from using absolutes like “always” and “never” when I am disagreeing with someone.
- I try to avoid spreading gossip.
- I try to avoid finishing someone else’s sentence even if I think I know how they will finish it.
- I avoid the temptation to stop listening and tune someone out when their views are different from mine.
- I avoid offering quick solutions when someone is telling me their problems.
The principle of teamwork yields results.
Even without God’s favor, we see the principle of teamwork yielding significant results. As leaders there is a lot we can learn from the story of the Tower of Babel. Unlike the people of Babel, may we seek God’s will and honor Him in our teams. And may we use the ingredients of shared vision, correct tools, and good communication to help our teams grow and succeed.
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