Creating Collaboration

By Doug Franklin July 23, 2013

Superman and Wonder Woman both have one big weakness: they work alone. When you work alone you can’t be in two places at one time, you can’t meet the needs of different people and you are going to run out of ideas. So why do so many of us try and lead alone? Leadership at times does feel like a lonely business; we have to make decisions no one else wants to make. We have to deal with people about short comings they have and we have to crack the whip when people are not giving their all. So how do we break out of the loneliness of leadership and bring others into our misery (just kidding). We must create an atmosphere of collaboration. To do this try the following:

1. Jettison tittles and position
Nothing does more to kill collaboration than a leader who is too important to do certain jobs. Once a week at LT we all clean the office together. I will either empty the trash or clean the men’s bathroom. By doing these jobs I am saying my title of President means nothing and I am in it with you.

2. Good ideas come from everywhere and everyone
Hold dream sessions and encourage staff members to give their ideas. It will go slow at first but give it time; soon everyone will be sharing their ideas and feeling like their input is important.

3. Serve somebody
Spend time each month serving your fellow team members in your ministry. Have them over and cook a meal. Make a crazy breakfast for the team. Write notes of encouragement. By serving others you turn the tables of entitlement and say we are a team.