Team Perspective in Leadership
Two are better than one.
The book of Ecclesiastes gives us excellent insight into living and leading with purpose. In Ecclesiastes 4, we find wisdom for working within a team:
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10)
Being on a team is hard work. There are losses, mistakes, and moments of frustration. But if we spend time learning from our defeats, there’s growth to be discovered.
Learning From Defeat
Failures within a team aren’t wasted if they teach us something valuable. Even when we stumble, the Lord uses those moments to shape us for future wins. But what if we’ve missed the mark?
- What if we’ve been trying to sustain our ministry or leadership without help or accountability?
- What if we once had a strong team but drifted into a boss-like mindset that pushed people away?
The second half of verse 10 offers a sobering reminder:
“But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” (Ecclesiastes 4:10)
Building Accountability and Support
Regardless of challenges, we need people around us; for encouragement, accountability, and to share the load. It might be time to seek out a coach or mentor. It might be time to confess faults, release control, or ask past teammates for forgiveness. All so that they can join us again.
These steps are all part of growth. Gaining a team perspective allows us to walk in humility, invite others into the mission, and experience more victories together.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- How has keeping a team perspective helped you in leadership or ministry?
- What lessons have you learned from past defeats that shaped how you lead today?
- Who could you invite into your life right now to help carry the load?
