Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” This is part two in a series on building a winning team. Back in part one, we talked about the importance of getting everyone on the same page. If you haven’t viewed that message, I would encourage you to check it out. Now in this segment, we’re focused on a very important component of building a winning team–Principal number 2: we should submit to our teammates.
Our country’s founding fathers built our government around the rights and freedoms of the individual person. Even today most of what we do is designed to enhance the life of the individual–from our technology to things of convenience, from fashion to music. No other country in the world offers the incredible variety of options and opportunities for the individual as does America.
It is this individualism that can also hinder the development of an effective team. Of course, to experience a high level of success we have to work well in teams. So to build that effective team, to some degree, we have to put aside our own selfish desires and ambitions. We need to understand that others around us have strengths and gifts we don’t have.
Here are three positive team building things you can say:
1.) “You’re much better than I am in this area. Will you help me?”
2.) “Even though I could probably do it, I’d like you to be in charge of this project.”
3.) “Although I’m responsible for this department, I’d like you to accept the award on behalf of all those who were a part of it.”
How about it? Can you put aside your own ambitions and desire for personal gain so that your team can move forward? When you do this, you will be applying the truth at work.