Favorite YM Memory #8

Traditionally, Monday mornings are the worst morning in the work week; they are a mixture of dreary eyes, more caffeine intake then is healthy, and the overwhelming thought that Friday is further away today then any other day of the work week. Monday’s, in many work spaces, are the days you call in sick…unless you work in our office.

Patrick Lencioni in his book 5 Dysfunctions of Team says, “It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.” and “If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time.”

By far, one of my favorite memories and “events” that I look forward to every week is our Monday morning staff meeting. Any outsider who has been privy to observe or take part in our staff meetings may ask themselves as they are leaving if we actually accomplished anything at all. They are a mixture of great food, laughing, giggling, practical jokes and more fun then anything else – it is amazing that we get anything done.

To qualify this somewhat: we actually do get to business, sit under the incredible leadership of Jim Lucas, and problem solve…however, where is it written that important assignments must be carried out with an air of grim determination? Where is it written that breakthrough ideas can only emerge in a business-as-usual environment? Why would anyone want work to feel like, well, work?

The best ideas come from playful and creative minds.
Turning these ideas into accomplished goals will only happen when a team can laugh and play and fight and, ultimately, work together.

My favorite youth ministry memory # 8? Team Chemistry.
-Jer

Technorati tags: leadership, youth ministry, team leadership