Teamwork Builds Relationships

Most of us tend to forge ahead with a project. We would rather "do it ourselves" than wait for someone else to do their part. I can't even count the times I have said, "If I want it done right, I'll do it myself." Often we can justify this way of acting and thinking by pointing out the obvious failure of society in general to follow through on responsibilities. Both individuals and businesses just don't seem to get the job done.

However, in the case of personal relationships this attitude only complicates the problem. Parents know, or should know, that part of proper child rearing is to teach their kids responsibility and worth by including them in the family team. Any wise employer or other leader realizes that if he wants the employees to produce they must feel like their input and activity counts. They must feel like they are part of the company. The problem is that the more people are excluded from that teamwork concept the more they become uncaring and irresponsible about the goals of the team.

At school I try to convey to the students the idea that we will learn, make discoveries and grow together. I want them to know that even as their teacher I have things to learn. I think that environment encourages them. Our student-teacher relationship is also improved by this approach. The same has been true in my experience in church ministries. People will cooperate and pull the load with you if they feel they are part of the team. If we convey the idea that we have all the answers and can do the job ourselves, then others will not respond and our relationship with them will suffer.