Six Reasons Developing a Team Makes You a Better Leader
There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves. –Lyndon Johnson
I have been a student of leadership for decades and one of my personal missions in life is to develop and equip as many leaders as possible. The word “leader” itself implies an individual and I truly do desire to help you become a better leader personally as I continue to grow myself. However, if we do not have a team to lead then we are not actually leaders. The leader is an individual but he or she stands at the hub of an organization, a team, a community, a business, a church, or some group. The aim of the leader is to move that collection of individuals in a purposeful direction providing inspiration, support, vision, training, problem-solving, and of course “leadership.” While you stand out front you cannot accomplish what needs to be done by yourself.
Gene Wilkes reminds leaders of six reasons that teams are superior to individuals when it comes to accomplishing a mission or task.
- Teams involve more people affording more resources, ideas, and energy than would an individual.
- Teams minimize the weaknesses of any individual.
- Teams provide expanded perspectives that individual insight can rarely capture.
- Teams share credit for victory and blame for losses resulting in a stronger community and a greater capacity to overcome failures.
- Teams provide higher levels of accountability.
I will add a sixth;
- Teams multiply time, availability, intelligence, and creativity exponentially beyond the capability of any individual.
Effective leadership absolutely requires your personal development and strength. But when it comes to big decisions, strategic planning, and moving your mission forward, be certain to tap into the gifts and talents of a team. That will help you to maximize your leadership.
Portions adapted from chapter one of John Maxwell’s The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork.