My friend Carol leads hospitality teams at our church (ushers, greeters, baking, coffee bar, special events, welcome center, security, breakfast for all volunteers on Sundays, parking...). I'm tired thinking about this list of responsibilities. I love watching her lead. She has fun. Her team loves her. Here's what I've noticed:1. Carol delegates: She doesn't do everything. She doesn't want to and she doesn't need to, either. Carol has about 5-6 direct reports that lead her teams. She gets along with them. They laugh. They have good chemistry. They are scatter brained. They're having several 5 minute meetings all the time to touch base. She's very accessible to her team leaders.
2. Carol smiles: It's like she actually enjoys herself while she's leading (imagine that!). People on her team are always smiling. If stuff trickles downhill, then a positive attitude and genuine positivity is like a waterfall. You can't serve on one of Carol's teams without getting affected. At the last all church event, her teams did the Cupid Shuffle.
3. Carol works hard: She isn't necessarily doing all the heavy lifting. But, it's hard to find Carol unless you're on her team. Her team always knows where she is located. She is always walking around and checking on her team, resourcing and helping. She is working hard to lead, but she's also ready to pitch in and move a tent during an event. She is the first to arrive and the last one to leave.
4. Carol coaches: She isn't about to put a third stringer in for the final shot, but she is coaching that third stringer like he is about to get that chance. She effectively matches people with skill and personality on her teams. Chemistry is more important than competence to Carol. Let's make sure these people fit while they do mission together. And, along the way, her and her leaders come alongside to help people. There's a great support system. The third stringer may be getting that shot after all this coaching.
5. Carol sees the big picture: Sure, sometimes things go wrong. Sometimes people hurt other people, including Carol. But she has this uncanny advantage on most leaders, she sees the bigger picture. Bad things, hurtful things, annoying things... these are all distractions and setbacks. They don't take her or her team away from the purpose or vision. She helps her leaders and other teammates see this as well. This is not something you can really teach, it must be caught by a leader.
So, there ya go. I think Carol is one of the best team leaders I've ever seen. I'm glad she's on our team at ALC. We're a better overall team because of it. You can learn from Carol.
