TEAMWORK TIPS


LOOK A


Look at the birds. Tey don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And


aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Matthew 6:26 NLT


Amy J. Malay SHRM-SCP


Director of Team Development


Jesus’ words in this verse are a reminder of our heavenly Father’s care and provision for us. An encouragement or admonition to not worry about the details of our lives, given that He is in control. It also reminded me there are many other lessons we can learn from birds, especially in relation to teamwork and leadership. So, let’s take a look at the birds together.


CATTLE EGRETS


Tese birds perch on the backs of cattle or other grazing mammals. Te


egret eats parasites off the cattle’s body and often warns about oncoming predators. As the livestock move about, they shake up grass and dust, and bugs and flies for the egret to eat. Tis is a symbiotic relationship, where both species benefit from each other.


HAND▘঑벐঍浜ࡥ㣀঑‸￨Ẹ TEAMWORK TIP Collaboration between different departments will foster greater success for the organization by building stronger relationships. Collaboration can also eliminate redundancies and create efficiencies. Some procedures are made up of sub-tasks handled by varying departments. How are overlapping areas addressed, so there is smooth hand-off from one department to another and, perhaps, back again? What measures are in place to ensure good communication channels between departments?


CANADA GEESE Te classic V formation is used by Canada geese for migrating long distances. When the leader of the V gets tired or sick, another goose will take its place. Tis ability to rotate leadership shows how important it is for all members of the flock to be good leaders and good followers. Te whole team must be flexible and watch out for each other.


HAND▘঑벐঍浜ࡥ㣀঑‸￨Ẹ TEAMWORK TIP Be alert and aware of the needs of team members. Flexibility and delegation, along with cross training are key to a successful team. It takes the efforts of many individuals working together as leaders in their roles to achieve a big goal (like the typical migration distance of 2000-3000 miles). What essential tasks in the organization have only one person trained to handle them? How can cross training and delegation be used strategically to create flexibility and “fill the gap”


so that tasks have a better chance of being covered if the primary person responsible is suddenly unavailable?


8 • Ambassador Advisors


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