In Take the Lid Off Your Church, I wrote that it is very difficult to challenge other staff and volunteer leaders to build and develop “healthy” teams if it’s not being modeled from the top.
One practical way to make this happen is the way we plan and execute our senior leadership team meetings. Many senior leadership teams meet regularly to discuss vision and strategy. Hours are spent talking about the next “big idea.” In these meetings problems are solved, information is shared and ministry practices are improved. Unfortunately, many times building connection is severely neglected or overlooked.
In his book Replenish, Lance Witt shares several questions that will help your team build community and connection. In your next meeting, take time to ask individual team members questions like these:
- What have been some turning points/defining moments in your life?
- What experiences (good and bad) have shaped you?
- Who had the most significant influence on your life?
- When do you feel successful?
- Describe the most difficult season of your spiritual journey.
- What has been your greatest disappointment?
- In recent years, how has your relationship with God grown and changed?
- How would you want to be remembered?
Many leaders think they can’t afford to take the time to ask these types of questions. I think exercises like this are crucial to developing healthy teams.
How do you build community and connection in your senior leadership team? Join the conversation by sharing your comment.
