Secrets of Teambuilding
By Lindy Black, Brad Hillman, and Ellen Susman
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5 Lessons Learned from my Last 3 Teams
Lindy Black
1. __________ tables are better than ___________!
2. ________! _______! _______!
3. The _______ of individuals leads to the ________ of the team.
4. _________ ________ is critical to a healthy team.
5. A great team takes _______ and _____ ______.
Which of these lessons grabs your attention or gets the most
traction in you right now? What is one action step you will take
from these lessons?
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How to Have a Missional Team
Functional
Structure
Stunted
Team
Relational
Dynamics
Missional
Team
Distracted
Team
Ineffective
Team
Spiritual
Community
The Team as a Functional Structure
It is an enjoyable experience to be part of team that works well together, that gets things done efficiently
and effectively. Efficiency of resources, especially people, helps us focus our efforts. If a team is missing
a good functional structure, it is an ineffective team where some people are probably in a bad job fit or
their jobs are ill-defined causing duplication and lack of communication. See Ephesians 4:11-13.
 The Team as a Relational Dynamics
In order to work together, we must understand each other. A team that isn’t aware of individual
preferences, giftings, roles, and abilities, will be set up for misinterpretations of each others’ motives. We
can also place negative labels on personal characteristics that are different from ourselves out of
ignorance. Without good relational dynamics, a team is distracted by interpersonal miscommunications,
hurts, and misunderstandings. Every team needs to learn how to appreciate and accept and even
celebrate our uniqueness. We need to learn how to use each other’s strengths to help achieve the team’s
goals. John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” It
is hard to love what you don’t understand. Understanding can often bring acceptance and then love.
 The Team as a Spiritual Community
The concept of community grows out of the shared life of the Body (1 Corinthians 12:12) and is founded
on the principles of unity and love (Ephesians 4:1-6). Apart from others, we can never fully understand
and experience who we are created to be. Community is a foundational characteristic of God’s people
and without it, a team is stunted. We can be more together than we are separately. This is where we can
truly experience, in the flesh, God’s love and acceptance through his people.
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Group Problem Solving Model
SENSING
I
Possibilities &
Options
Facts & Details
 List all relevant details
 Clearly define the problem
 Determine realistic
constraints
 Resist radical new
approaches
 Devise incremental solutions
 Implement ideas
NTUITION




Consider all possibilities
Brainstorm alternatives
Consider the future
Look at trends and
patterns
 Solve multiple problems at
the same time
THINKING
FEELING
Logical
Impact on People
 Consider the
consequences of each
alternative
 Analyze all input
 Dissect
 Debate
 Question fundamental
assumptions
 Create or apply a model
 Involve all parties
 Get “buy in” from
stakeholders
 Weigh the alternatives
looking at the impact on
people
 Work to keep harmony on
the team
Group Discussion:
1. What did you learn about your group by doing this exercise?
2. What can you do to better to understand each other when solving problems together?
Adapted from MBTI Practitioner’s Field Guide Copyright 2011 by CPP, Inc.
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Typical Views and Responses to Conflict
Your view affects your response which affects the results.
Typical Views of
Conflict
Typical Responses to
Conflict
Typical Results
of Conflict
Refuse to deal with
1. Conflict is
wrong
problem Avoiding
Always gives in
2. Conflict is
dangerous
Accommodating
Split the difference
3. Conflict is
neutral
Compromising
Win at all costs
4. Conflict is a
contest
Competition
Meet the interests of
5. Conflict is an
opportunity
others Collaborating
Problems can
keep growing
Representative
Animal
Team member(s)
Ant – run from
conflict by
scattering
Resentment can
build
Cow – move
wherever you push
them
Moral issues
can be ignored
Coyote – split and
tear up the carcass
Relationships
can be
damaged
Bull – charge in
and must win
Relationships
healed and
issues resolved
Elephant – work
together against all
odds
A biblical view of conflict
leads to a biblical response to conflict
which leads to biblical results (in God’s timing).
Group Discussion



How did your family respond to conflict while you were growing up?
How do you respond to conflict today?
How can you use this with your team back home?
Based on the Thomas-Kielmann Conflict Mode Instrument
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A & B Team Exercise
Why it is important to keep short accounts:
1. Unreconciled relationships hinder the advancement of the gospel and block the flow of grace.
Ministry is deeply affected by damaged relationships.
2. Love and unity have spiritual implications. Our love for one another demonstrates to the world
that we are His disciples. Our unity demonstrates that Jesus is Lord. The enemy will do
everything he can to ruin love and unity among us.
3. Every team has issues. Functional teams talk about their issues while dysfunctional teams hide
their issues under the table.
The A & B Issues Exercise is a simple tool to help us unblock the flow of grace, preserve love and unity,
and to get the issues on top of the table.
Here’s how it works:
A & B Issues Defined
A = a sin, hurt, or offense that has damaged the relationship
B = something that if talked about would improve the relationship
Team Exercise
1. Preparation – before the team meeting announce ahead of time so people can pray, prepare,
and perhaps take care of any issues before they meet.
2. At team meeting:
a. Each person writes on a piece of paper the name of everyone around the table starting
to their left.
b. After each name write an “A”, “B” or “None” based on how we defined them.
c. The first person will read down their list stating for each name, “I have an A, B or No
issue with you.” No details are given.
d. Each person on the team does the same thing until everyone has had the opportunity
to participate. You might want to take notes in case anyone has an issue with you.
e. After this exercise it would be good to take a break so those who need to can set up
appointments to meet with those who have issues with them.
3. This could be done once or twice per year. Each team member is encouraged to keep short
accounts.
Other Applications:
Small Group: Think through and declare any A or B issues you may have with others in your small
group.
Personal Application: Think through with your spouse, roommates or best friends and commit to
declare and process together.
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