A few years ago America was caught in a frenzy of game shows. One game show that did extraordinarily well was a fast moving game called “The Weakest Link.” In this game contestants would work as a team answering a variety of questions and attempting to bank as much money as possible. At the end of each round the contestants would privately vote on who they felt was the weakest link. Typically the weakest link would be someone who was unable to answer some of the questions or took too much time off the clock when answering the questions. The game would finally arrive at two players who would compete for the amount of money the overall team had won, but only one person walked away with the money.
“a team is no greater then its weakest member.”
The idea of the weakest link can be played in the teams of any organization. You have heard the statement “a team is no greater then its weakest member.” This is true! The strength of your organization should not and cannot fall on the shoulders of a few. Every team member must be working at being the best player they can be. I am not saying your organization should be voting off players until it gets down to one, but I am saying that every player must be working toward becoming a player of substance.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself. Answer them positively and you are on your way to becoming so valuable to any team that a person would be a fool to get rid of you.
1) Do I add value to the team?
The team has to be a better team because you are a part of it. You bring something to the table that adds value to the overall success of the organization.
2) Do I add value to others?
In other words am I bringing out the best in those around me? Does my attitude and actions cause my fellow team member to become bitter or better?
3) Am I quick to give away the credit
A successful team has no room for those who are so insecure that they need the spotlight on every occasion. A valuable team member is quick to give away the credit because it shows that they are caught up in the team’s successes not in their own individual accolades.
4) Am I raising up potential leaders?
Truly successful team members are consistently raising up new leaders. They do not hold down people out of fear of being outshined. They understand the power from multiplying leadership.
5) Is my attitude positively contagious?
Nothing can lift up a team quicker or tear down a team faster then attitude. Make sure your attitude is healthy and positive. Believing and speaking the best about others and about the organization you serve.
6) Am I producing?
A team member must be producing. This includes achieving objectives, creating new concepts, growing as a leader, lifting the value of the organization, getting it done and then some. Be that kind of team player and you will never lack a team to play on!
Take these questions to heart. Talk about them in your next staff or leadership meeting. Challenge each of your players to live out these six qualities and your team will be playing a whole new game!
Chris Sonksen is the founding Pastor of South Hills Church, a best-selling author, and founder of Church Boom.
