Ready to Build a Dream Team?

Anybody who has set out to build their dream has needed the help of other people. God-sized dreams are no exception. I love this passage in Scripture because it reminds us that there is strength in numbers:

A person standing alone can be easily attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

No matter the cause, no matter the size, and no matter the impact, no dream has ever occurred outside of a team. Having said that, many people start their teams with people familiar to them and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, occasionally, it works out beautifully. However, most of the time, we must go outside of our immediate circles to find team members that can go the distance with us. And even then, there will be times when team members need to be traded out for newer members.

World changers understand in order to pursue their dream they must always value people but recognize some people are just passing through.

With that in mind, let’s talk about what traits you should look for in people when building your dream team.

Build a team in which:

The people around you inspire you. Listen, you may be the captain of the ship, but you will need a little encouragement from time to time. Being with a group of people that can give off as much energy as they are receiving will cause you to rise to new levels, get really creative, and sometimes, just plain make you smile.

Some of my best days in leading a team has been the days that I could throw out a problem and watch someone within the group come up with a solution I would have never thought of. That’s synergy and it’s contagious. It makes me try harder, push further, and appreciate those around me even more.

The people are honest with you. I don’t know about you, but I hate it when people try to tell me what I want to hear. It’s just not helpful or productive. I have a few friends that are just honest with me no matter what and though I don’t always like the honesty, I sure do appreciate it.

Building a dream requires the company of honest people. You will need good solid feedback to make difficult choices sometimes. Remember, you are probably the one person in the room that is completely sold out for your dream and that means you’re emotionally attached. Having team members that will reel you back in when needed or help you pivot when a failure occurs are worth their weight in gold!

Proverbs 11:14 (MSG) tells us: “Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances.”

Be the leader that seeks out and encourages honesty within the team and you’ll be a very successful one with fewer regrets than most.

The people possess skills that complement yours. Remember that 360-degree review of yourself you did back in Are You Fired Up About Your Dream? If you didn’t complete the four quizzes included in that post or you haven’t seen them yet, this is a good time to complete them. Because once you know what your strengths and giftings are you can then do an evaluation of what strengths and giftings you need in future team members. Here’s a hint –they should be different from yours!

While working with the first conference team I had the pleasure of bringing together, we took the 5 Voices Quiz. We discovered that the five of us had completely different voices from which we spoke from, and it brought us closer together as a team. Just identifying this one trait, helped each of us understand the thought patterns and vocal tones of each other. I was a Nurturer surrounded by a Creative, a Guardian, and a couple Pioneers. My weaknesses where their strengths.

Never be afraid to surround yourself with people whose skills you don’t possess. Helen Keller had it right: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

Once you have your dream team in place, it is now your responsibility to impart to them the vision you possess.

Transfer the dream logically. Nothing loses a team faster than an illogically set course. When imparting your vision to your dream team, the upmost honesty of where you are starting from is important. Team members want to know the facts! They can’t begin to envision how they can make the dream work if they are uncertain of where they are starting. They also need to know the destination goal. Is what you are proposing sound? Can they see how well-placed steps can lead to the realization of the dream? Is the strategy organized, carefully thought out, and reasonably progressive? If you can provide positive answers to those questions, your dream team will be ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work!

Transfer the dream emotionally. People need to feel connected emotionally on all levels of the dream. When you impart your vision to the team, don’t forget to make that ever important heart connection. If your cause peaks the interests of your team, they will buy into the dream because they have connected to your cause on a personal level. Be transparent and passionate when you speak about your dream and its importance. “People buy into the dreamer before they buy into the dream” John Maxwell. And lastly, give them a reason to join and participate in building the dream by telling them how it will benefit them. For example, as my past conference team came together to build a new and unique conference platform to encourage females to grow as leaders, the team grew in their leadership abilities as well.

Transfer the dream visually. Don’t just impart your dream verbally, live your dream! Nothing fires up a dream team like watching the leader walk out the dream. They’ll be inspired by your tenacity, your enthusiasm, and the faith you show that the dream can be achieved. As the saying goes: “Don’t tell people your dream, show them!”

If you build the right team and can successfully impart your vision to them, your dream will materialize. “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” Henry Ford

Remember world changer, no man is an island unto himself (John Donne). Start building your dream team today!