Building Great Team Members

You cannot build a strong organisation without a strong team. You cannot build a strong team without building the individuals within the team.  Ask the individual team members the following:

1. What their main challenge is (Problem).

2. What they need in order to perform (Need).

3. What their passion is (Passion).

4. What you can provide (Solution).

The chart above has helped me to quickly assess where a team member is at. You might find it overly simplistic, but I like simple. I believe simple can help us leaders to unclutter, to see clearly beyond the mess and focus on the results we are looking for.

Let's look into the four categories;

Problem - When you detect a problem (e.g. poor performance) within a team you've got to act immediately. You just cannot afford to ignore the issue and expect it to go away. It won't! The longer you take the more the problem will grow and spread among the team. So write the main problem on this part of the chart.

Need - Is the problem caused by a particular need (e.g. training). Assess the need by asking direct questions (e.g. what do you think your primary need is?).  Also assess past performance to detect the need.

Passion - Do you know what your team member is passionate about? This part of the chart should be revealing something to you. Is the person in the right role? Perhaps his dreams are different to what he is doing at the moment. People will flourish when they start doing what they love. After discussing the topic add your team member's passion to this part of the chart. 

Solution - This is your chance to write down a solution in order to move your team member forward. Take this opportunity to describe what is required from you and your team member in order to achieve results. Be concise and clear - I've found that too much information tends to get people confused.

The chart above can also be used in interviews, appraisals, coaching and informal meetings.  If you want to zero in on a problem, focus, think, develop and provide clear solutions with clear instructions, why not give the above development chart a try and let me know if it worked for you too. 

Keep it simple!

Emotion vs. Passion

Being around people that are passionate about the same things that you are, will fuel your passion. Nothing great is ever accomplished and sustained without passion. Emotions might offer a starting point but they will not produce sustainable results. Where emotion is a strong feeling, passion is an intense desire. 

Therefore same passion = more passion. Being around passionate people will generate more passion.

Emotion vs. Passion

Emotion says: “I will!” but then doesn’t (or if it does it can’t sustain it when emotions fade).
Passion says: “I will!” and it does more than what’s required.

Emotion gives some when convenient.
Passion gives it all consistently.

Emotion serves until it becomes uncomfortable.
Passion serves despite of discomfort.

Emotion has a strong sense of obligation.
Passion has a strong sense of purpose.

Emotion will lie to you.
Passion will always be true.

Emotion doesn’t count the cost and gives up.
Passion counts the cost and chooses to pay the price.

What are you passionate about? If people cannot tell you what your passion is you haven't got one. Why not start by being passionate about God's house (The Church)? If Jesus was passionate enough to build it and die for it, it must be something that we should also be passionate about and set it as the top of our priorities.

Bath

Since we are predicting an insanely busy 2012, Angela and I decided to escape the already busy 2011 and tried to squeeze a little break in between. Our destination: the gorgeous world heritage site of Bath. 

Bath presents some of the finest architectural sights in Europe and is located quite close to our home in the Cotswolds. Bath has a diverse collection of museums and attractions, including the world famous Roman Baths and stunning Thermae Bath Spa.

We stayed at The White Guest House and did not regret it. The room was cosy and warm and the price was just right. Definitely recommended if you don't want to blow the budget but still want something really nice.

If you ever make it there make sure you visit Hudson Steak House and ask for their sirloin steak. With an excellent atmosphere, friendly staff, and gorgeous food you will not regret the experience.

We believe 2012 is going to be awesome and we are looking forward to what God has is store for us at D7 Church. 

Happy 2012 everyone!!!

Heaven Is For Real

Well written and very easy to read, Heaven is for Real tells the tale of a four year old boy who visited heaven.

I am not at all into the ‘sensational’ and hesitated to read the book until curiosity got the better of me.  To my surprise I ended up enjoying it and read the whole book in one sitting.  You will find it hard to put down.   This book can potentially help those looking for assurances about the loss of a loved one and perhaps even ease their pain. 

In the first few chapters, Colton's dad talks a lot about himself and the pain and struggles that he had to endure prior his son’s experience, which for me was also a lesson in honesty and perseverance. Not many people nowadays, in my opinion, have the guts to stick to their beliefs and sense of mission. 

Heaven is for Real is an inspiring book and offers a glimpse of heaven through the experience of a four year old boy. I would recommend this book to those who would enjoy an easy, yet meaningful, heart-warming and thought-provoking read.

Jungle Warfare

Great Sales Resource!

"can you imagine the confidence that would radiate from you as you stood in front of your customers if they knew your faith was in something deeper than the sale?"

- C. A. Cunningham, Jungle Warfare.

Jungle Warfare will not only give you lots to think about but it will also give you practical answers to practical questions. The book is divided in two parts. Part one is in devotional format with sections which include a verse, a battle plan, a prayer and space for you to write your thoughts and personal prayers. Part two includes common questions Christians face or will face in their professional careers such as: “I compromised my integrity. What do I do now?” And “What if my customers don't like me?.”

Uplifting and encouraging. I highly recommend this book.