SEEKING WISDOM

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

TEAM PLAYER

I never like reading. Since I started working, I have to take bus to work. Still, i have no desire whatsoever to read during the trip (like most people do when they are in the bus - you get bored looking at landscape along the way, cos you passed it everyday!)Other reasons are: one, because I get headache reading too long in moving vehicle, secondly, I just don't like reading (especially while one hand hanging on to the hand rail to support myself from falling when the bus driver suddenly breaks..., and the other trying to hold on to my bag).

Anyway, out of the blue, one day I decided to really start to read! And mind you, not that I've never have the urge to start the habit of reading before... i have! That's why I have some books that I bought when I attended conferences and all that... so that I can read them during my "spare time" (although its getting more and more limited nowdays...). But you guessed it! Never touch them, or the worst is, never get to finish any of them.

However, about two days ago, decided to start reading "THE 17 ESSENTIAL QUALITIES OF A TEAM PLAYER" by John C Maxwell. In it, you can find great tips on how you can help your team to be better, help yourself to be a better teammate, and help your mates to be better aswell. Maybe some of you have heard of or even finished reading this book. Let me know how it blesses you!

I learned to encourage good COLLABORATION of team members and not just cooperation. Because Maxwell said the difference between the two is:
Cooperation - working together agreeably...
Collaboration - working together aggressively

meaning, not only agree to do something together, but making sure that each team is giving the best, to contribute to the value and synergy to the team.

It strikes me that its so important for each of the team member to know and respect the other's part in the team. Very often, in our worship team for example, some people felt that, or should I say, sometimes I feel that my role in it is minisculed by the fact that there are "better" and more talented people who should take my position as leader. And to be honest, sometimes I felt that way, because I felt that whatever it is that I do, people think I did it because I'm being a dictator with no talent! Or maybe I also heard that some people feel that their part in the team is too small to contribute to anything... as if the church only needs some of those who are "good" singers or musicians. And after reading this book, I realised that I need to learn that although some singers sings false notes, they have tried their best, and its up to the rest of the team to try to collaboratelly fill in the gaps. That's what make us excel as a team. But off course, the purpose of the trust that everyone will give their best, is to actually see the result of that trust. Have you really practiced at home? Have you really spend quality time with The Lord everyday? Have you really work on your spiritual health? Have you done what you can to be better so you can contribute much more to the quality of your team?

So, if you think you can add a few more words to encourage your team mates, let's do so! LETS LEARN TO COLLABORATE!!!