Page 112 - Principles of Leadership - Nehemiah

Out of all the writers on leadership, I have read more and been influenced tremendously by the writings of John
Maxwell. Almost all of the following will come directly from The 17 Indisputable Laws Of Teamwork. I am very
much indebted to his guidance on Teamwork. John asks the question at the beginning of this book: Why do
some teams go straight to the top, seeing their vision become a reality, while others go nowhere? This question
is probably best answered by another question that someone asks, which is, what is the one thing I need to
know about teamwork? John quibbled, one thing that is not an easy answer. He persisted, and John said, “The
one thing you need to know about teamwork is that there is more than one thing you need to know about
teamwork.” Teamwork is a process of learning to be a great team member and a team builder. Therefore, let’s
look a bit deeper at this process.

#1 The Law of Significance: One Is Too Small a Number to Achieve Greatness

This law recognizes that nothing of significance was ever achieved by an individual acting alone. The belief that
one person can do something great is a myth. There are no problems we cannot solve together and very few
that we can solve ourselves. Therefore, the question isn’t whether teams have value. The question is whether
we acknowledge that fact and become better team players. That is why I assert that one is too small a number
to achieve greatness.

Individuals play the game, but teams win championships. It marks a big step in your development when you
realize that other people can help you do a better job than you could do alone. I have noticed in working with
pastors that many fail to build a team because of insecurity. They want to control everything or fear being
replaced by someone more capable. As a result, they choose to go it alone. Few people are fond of admitting
that they can’t do everything, yet that is a reality of life. Why take the journey alone when you can invite others
along with you? The sooner you become a team player, the sooner you will be able to achieve your dreams.

#2 The Law Of The Big Picture: The Goal Is More Important Than The Role

When we remember that the goal is more important than our roles, we capture the Law of the Big Picture. We
have all worked with people who approach life with the mindset, “what’s in it for me.” If you think you are the
entire picture, you will never see the big picture. If a team is to reach its potential, each player must be willing
to subordinate his personal goals to the team's good.

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