Expect Team Members To Contribute

Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me. Matthew 12:30

In the sport of dogsled racing, the musher (driver) must keep watch over the condition of each dog. If one goes lame, the entire team is slowed down.

The lame dog doesn’t intentionally hold the team back, but seven healthy dogs can run faster than seven healthy dogs plus one lame dog in the harness. By not running up to speed, one lame animal actually works against the others.

Leadership teams are like this. A single member who never quite gets with the program compromises the group’s effectiveness. Such people do more damage by staying on the team than they do by leaving.

Jesus had harsh words for people who pretend to be on a team but don’t contribute toward its objectives.

Objections and disagreements should be encouraged, but once decisions are made and the team begins to move forward, it’s time to fall into line and support the team effort.

Anything else is counterproductive.