How Do You Define “Team Player”?
What is your definition of a team player? Over the years, I have discovered that not everyone defines “team player” the same. There appears to be two almost bipolar understandings of the term. This difference existed when I was in the business world and it continues now that I am in professional ministry work.
Let me describe the difference:
I have a friend who serves on a church staff. His pastor describes a team player as someone who follows the rules and never questions authority. To this pastor, it is a sign of respect if his followers obey him. They are truly part of the “team” when they comply with the direction he has set for it. The church rewards team players who do not disrupt the set flow of the organizational structure the pastor has established for the church. The church punishes those who fail to play as a part of the “team”. The pastor expects each team member to lead his or her ministry separate from the other players on the team in hopes that the combination of individual efforts will help the entire church reach the goals set by the pastor.
I define the term “team player” quite differently. I, too, am a pastor and I lead a team. I expect that each person on the team is to play a part in helping the church set goals and seeing those goals become reality. I personally am offended when someone on the team refuses to bring his or her own original ideas for the entire church to the table for discussion or feels his or her input is not welcome. If one member on the team’s ministry struggles, it affects the entire team and it becomes the entire team’s responsibility to help them. I, too, believe that each team has a leader, who must make final decisions and set ultimate vision for the organization, but I welcome challenge to my authority if done with the intent of helping the church succeed. Those rewarded most with this definition are those who work hardest to help the entire church, as well as their personal area of responsibility, achieve its goals.
Which of these real-life scenarios best fit your definition of “team player”?
