What do you look for when you bring a person on to your team? We owe it to everyone to set expectations from the beginning. What expectations do you have for people who serve on your team?

These are values that support the overall efforts of the team moving forward. How we treat each other is more important than what we do as a team, because that is what leads to team health.

Here are 8 non-negotiable values for a team I lead:

Initiative -

I'm looking for people who I have to say "whoa" to, not "giddyup." I want team members who have a penchant for action. I want team members who can make decisions to keep the organization moving forward. If they make the wrong decision, we can fix it later, but make the best decision now. It is easier to steer a car that is moving than one that is stopped.

Honesty –

Teams are built on trust and trust is built on honesty. If a person isn't honest, even God can't help them. I want team members who will give their honest opinions. I want to wrestle with the best ideas moving forward as a team, knowing that we can disagree, but still commit moving forward.

Availability -

I believe in an "open door" where team members are available to collaborate and coordinate efforts to move the team forward. I understand the need to isolate to think deeply at times, but isolation cannot be a habit where no one has access. This includes responsiveness when answering emails and texts. Being aloof and inaccessible makes teamwork so much more challenging. Great managers know the benefit of "walking the floor," connecting with team members to understand the challenges of the organization.

Loyalty - 

Loyalty goes both ways. Expecting loyalty from others requires loyalty reciprocated. Gossip and drama can ruin any team. Having the maturity to have each other's back is a sign of a healthy team. Personal agendas need to be set aside for the benefit of the team.

Unity -

We are all united in our attempts for team success. this requires that each of our vectors is moving in the same direction. Being united in purpose means that each team member is clear on team goals and individual expectations. We refuse to play the blame game when things go wrong. We regroup and refocus and learn from the past. Rivers are powerful when they are narrow and deep. When the team is united and focused there is power to accomplish team objectives.

Competence - 

If I can do your job better than you, I don't need you.  Team members should be motivated to be lifelong learners, seeking to sharpen skills and grow as a leader. Anyone who needs to be micro-managed is an expense the team cannot afford. We set goals as a team and give out assignments and expect the team members to figure out the best way to reach the team goals. Certainly, there are times when greater clarity is required before moving forward. Misguided missiles can be very damaging. However, each team member needs to pursue ongoing improvement for the benefit of the team so that there is less need for oversight.

Ownership –

Each team member needs to have a sense of ownership for the success of the team. Owners pay attention to the details. They notice the trash in the parking lot and pick it up. They don't default to "it isn't my job." They do what it takes to get the job done because they take personal pride in team success. They feel responsible regardless of title.

Valuing Each Other - 

Each team member is valuable, no matter the assignment (this is Biblical).

1 Corinthians 12:22 (ESV) On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

There is no place for belittling, disrespecting, or bullying other's contributions based on position or status in an organization. This includes volunteers on every level.

While a Youth Pastor the Elder of Personnel took it upon himself to let me know that I was in the minor league and that one day I would make it to the majors and be a Senior Pastor. I felt devalued and unappreciated and began to wonder about the commitment of the church to reach youth. From that day forward I have sought to treat every team member with respect and honor. Youth ministry is an assignment and a calling that is just as important as any other in the church. The person running the ministry is a "pastor" first. There are no second-class citizens on the team.

Departmentalism and territorialism can ruin the church, and I have seen it first hand.

Paul expressed "valuing each other" this way:

Philippians 2:3 (ESV) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

What do you think?