What is the best team you have ever been a part of? What made it the best team? Did you all know what the goal was? Were you working off the same playbook? 

Let’s talk about teams. Not just any teams, but divinely inspired teams where individual gifts coalesce into a symphony of service and mission. This vision aligns perfectly with Patrick Lencioni’s framework in “The Genius of Teams” and “The Working Genius,” offering a practical pathway to building God-honoring teams in our churches, schools, and ministries.

Understanding Our Working Geniuses:

Imagine each member of your team as a vessel infused with unique, God-given talents. Lencioni identifies six Working Geniuses: Wonder, Invention, Discernment, Galvanizing, Enablement, and Tenacity. Recognizing these gifts – not through labels, but through understanding their strengths and frustrations – unlocks incredible potential.

• The Wonderer sparks new ideas, questioning the status quo and seeking God’s will for the community.
• The Inventor crafts solutions, creatively translating insights into action plans aligned with ministry goals.
• The Discerner analyzes information, ensuring decisions are grounded in scripture and sound judgment.
• The Galvanizer rallies the team, igniting enthusiasm and commitment to the mission.
• The Enabler supports and coaches others, ensuring everyone feels equipped and valued.
• The Tenacious one sees projects through to completion, persevering through challenges and ensuring accountability.

Building Teams that Reflect God’s Design:

Just as different parts of the body come together to form a single Christ-centered entity, a truly effective team needs a balance of Working Geniuses. Here’s how you can achieve this balance:

• Individual Discovery: Encourage everyone to take the Working Genius Assessment, fostering conversations about their strengths and frustrations.
• Team Mapping: Analyze your team’s overall Genius profile, identifying gaps and areas of redundancy.
• Strategic Delegation: Assign tasks and responsibilities based on individual Working Geniuses, maximizing strengths and minimizing frustrations.
• Collaboration and Grace: Remember, diversity is a gift! Encourage open communication, mutual respect, and a recognition of how each gift contributes to the team’s mission.

Walking in the Spirit, Together:

Applying Working Genius is not about human ego, but about harnessing God’s gifts. As Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, each gift plays a vital role in the body of Christ. By understanding and leveraging Working Geniuses, we can:

• Strengthen ministry programs: Tailor initiatives to team members’ strengths, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.
• Nurture leadership potential: Identify and empower individuals with leadership-oriented Working Geniuses.
• Foster deeper relationships: Build trust and understanding by appreciating each other’s unique contributions.
• Create a culture of excellence: When everyone is valued and playing to their strengths, success and fulfillment naturally follow.

Remember, we are not called to work alone. We are called to collaborate, guided by the Holy Spirit, to build communities that radiate God’s love and light. Let us unlock the genius within each member, creating teams that stand as powerful witnesses to the world.