How to grow a thriving team

Team members report that healthy relationships in the workplace is key. In an April 2016 report, “Employee Job Satisfaction and Engagement: Revitalizing a Changing Workforce,” the Society for Human Resource Management noted that, “because employees spend much of their waking hours at work, it is not difficult to understand the importance of interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.

Toxic relationships can quickly lead to disgruntled employees, waning effectiveness levels and other negative consequences. Positive relationships based on a foundation of mutual trust and understanding have the potential to enhance productivity and organizational success. Management can show support for their staff by considering their viewpoints and presenting opportunities for employees to demonstrate their talents and effective communication.

The best leaders respect and value each team member in the organization. These leaders understand that it is their job to equip and release their teams to use their gifts and abilities to make the organization better. Jesus, who is the greatest leader of all time, respected each one of His disciples. He was not afraid to release them to do good work.

In Luke 9:1-6, Jesus has a pivotal moment in His ministry when He releases His disciples—for the first time—to heal and preach. This marks a moment in Christ’s ministry when He moved from soloist to conductor.

Jesus understood that to make a more massive impact, He would have to release his team to be successful in their efforts. In this passage of scripture, review the critical elements of this defining moment to grasp how to move your organization forward:

“When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He told them: ‘Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere” (Luke 9:1-6).

Note four key actions Jesus used to grow his team.

1.  Jesus brought the whole team together

Jesus brought his team together for a retreat, where He gave instructions to the disciples. Thus, the team together understood the value of what they were doing and why. Jesus could have called each disciple in for a one-on-one session. Instead, He decided to draw them together as a group.

Effective organizations do not neglect the importance of being together as a team. Leaders who wish to develop their people find opportunities to bring them together to talk about vision, goals, responsibilities and organizational values.

Team retreats are good for business and should be practiced by organizations of every size. When groups discuss concepts together, it provides accountability and motivation for the entire team. Team members work better when they understand what each member contributes to the team and the tasks others on the team will be held accountable to perform.

2.  Jesus released control and empowered his disciples

Jesus gave His disciples the “power and authority” to drive out demons and heal diseases. This power was not insignificant since it was one of the manifestations that proved that Jesus was the Messiah. It is never easy for a leader to release control of power especially in areas that are essential to the success of the organization.

However, team members must feel empowered to embrace new opportunities thoroughly. Empowering people brings inspiration and ownership to organizations. The wise and capable leader knows when and how to step back so their people can step forward to accomplish the purpose and mission of the organization.

3.  Jesus elevated His belief in the abilities of His team

Jesus sent disciples out to villages and towns to interact with the people. Great leaders believe in their teams even before the team members believe in themselves. Leaders see potential, whereas people often only see their performance.

To develop an organization, people must be developed. It is the leader’s primary job to evaluate team members’ gifts, talents and potential. The leader of the group obtains better results when they know their people and understand how to help their people achieve maximum impact.

These types of leaders go from managing the project to managing those that manage the project. This is an essential step in the development of teams and the development of the leader.

4.  Jesus revealed clear expectations and direction to the team

Leaders who reveal—with clarity—authentic values and fundamental concepts help team members make better decisions that align with the wishes of the leader. Jesus revealed clear expectations to His disciples on how to react to difficulty and how to decide when it was time to move to the next city to preach and heal.  He left no uncertainties in the directions He gave to His disciples.

One CEO Experience (CXP) Leadership Axiom states, “When the leader is clear everything in the organization becomes clear.” The truth of this is highlighted by the clarity Jesus gave His disciples in this story. The disciples knew precisely what Christ expected of them to achieve success.

Leaders who wish to lead their company well must be intentional about developing and growing the right team.