Why Teamwork is Important

Do you prefer to work with others or to work alone? Don’t feel bad if you answered the latter. That’s usually my preference. 

We may idealize the idea of DIY leadership or idolize lone ranger leaders. However, it isn’t an accurate view of leadership. While you might do a lot of things well, you can’t do everything. You need help. This is why every leader needs a team. Presidents have cabinets. CEOs have teams of directors, managers, administrators, assistants, and interns. Even the actual Lone Ranger didn’t work alone. He had his teammate, Tonto. 

When we look at the leadership of Jesus, we see He had a team. His team comprised twelve men: Simon Peter, Simon the Zealot, James (son of Alphaeus), James (son of Zebedee), John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, Judas Thaddaeus, and Judas Iscariot (Mark 3:16-19).

The funny thing is, if there was one leader who didn’t need a team, it was Jesus. He was the Perfect Leader. He could have done everything if He wanted to. However, despite His perfection, He showed us the value of having a team. 

Think about it: Make a list of things you do as a leader. What do you need help with? Who is someone who does those things well and could help you?

A Leader Worth Imitating, Principle 7: Team