Over the next several weeks I want to share some time-tested truths with you about leadership.  I will be focusing on leading teams.  Many of us have transitioned our ministries into a team-based structure.  The best thing about this is that we get the chance to develop and create new ideas while including others in the process.  No longer is this my great idea but our great idea.  However, when leading teams we have to work hard to constantly communicate the vision and strategy.  Here are several truths that come with leading a team and communicating with them.

a.  You cannot over communicate why you do what you do – People are use to being directed and reminded of what needs to be done and why they are doing it.  If we do not take the time to communicate this with them we run the risk of getting sidetracked.  When we become sidetracked we often spend a lot of resources going in the wrong direction.  People always benefit from the little reminders.

b.  It brings value to their involvement – When our team understands that everyone is moving in the same direction and what each individual is doing benefits the whole, they have value.  Personal value will often bring loyalty to you as a leader.  None of us want to feel like what we do does not matter.

c.  Main objective stays in front of you – How often have you sat in a meeting and when you are done with the meeting you have felt like nothing good was accomplished?  I know that feeling well.  However, when I have walked into meeting that stays focused, I walk out feeling like I have knowledge of what needs to be done.

d.  On top of vision we need to communicate strategy – Vision is why we are doing what we do.  However, if we fail to communicate strategy then we fail to give meat to the vision and people create their own ways of accomplishing the end result.  Communicating strategy allows the leader keep the team focused on how we are going to accomplish the vision.

When leading teams there are always struggles and times that are more difficult than others.  Communicating the vision and strategy on a regular basis will help keep you team focused and moving on target as you need them too.