How to Build Your Team... (Post #71)

"Start by praying and saying, "Lord, please guide me in Your knowledge and wisdom, as I seek to build my support and community. If there is anyone in my planned selection, who doesn't support my improvement, please reveal this to me. In Your Son Jesus Name, I pray, Amen."

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This Sunday, I watched as Jimmy Johnson, the former coach of the Dallas Cowboys, was informed of his pending induction into the NFL Hall of Fame as a member of the inducted class of 2020. In the process of telling him, those in attendance cheered gleefully, and it was clear that he was undeniably emotional. Former players like Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman all looked on, as Coach Johnson did his best to compose himself and express appreciation for this great honor. 

It was the passionate words he used to acknowledge the significance of the moment that resonated with me the most. In his best effort to respond to this honor, he expressed himself like this:  

."The only thing I can think of is all of the assistant coaches that have worked for me. All of the great players that have played for me; they're the reason I'm here. And they're the reason (gasp) I can't talk (pause) I mean, I mean, this is so special to me, because when you've put in the work that we put in, it's nice to know people appreciate it."
 
Side note: that moment when he gasped, was a bit terrifying.  
 
On August 3, 2020, Coach Johnson and Coach Johnson alone will receive his well-deserved honor. However, in his opinion, he notes that he'd have no consideration for the celebration if it weren't for his former coaching staff and team. He accredits his pending enshrinement to his community.  
 
The word community carries several definitions; however, the one that resonates with this article is as follows: a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals

"However, in his opinion, he notes that he'd have no consideration for the celebration if it weren't for his former coaching staff and team."

​Here's a hard fact. 2019 taught me a lot of precious lessons; however, one of the best experiences I gleaned, was in my acceptance of the truth that everyone needs community. As imperfect people or perfectly imperfect perfectionists, our desperation for support, is undeniable. Please make no mistake about it; you need a team. These souls are a part of the group of people who will aid you in overcoming your weaknesses, maintaining accountability, and vice-versa.  
 
Ask yourself, who do you have in your life right now that holds you accountable? Who's helping you to get better? Whom do you share improvement involvement? If your answer to any of these questions is no one, then I've got news for you, YOU DESPERATELY NEED COMMUNITY.  

"As imperfect people or perfectly imperfect perfectionists, our desperation for support, is undeniable. Please make no mistake about it; you need a team."

​Trust me when I say that the creation of your community must be cultivated with great caution. The incorrect selection of the members of your community can cause your progression to roll in reverse.  
 
Therefore, if you need community, and you want to make your selections wisely, I'd implore you to consider these few points.  I present to you, 6 principles to create a lasting community of growth and success:
 

• Know what you Bring to the Table: The first thought of community is often a selfish one. Specifically, "how are these people going to help me?" The founding principle of a communal group is the willingness to "take care of each other." Yes, it would help if you had in mind how you desire to improve and grow as a result of these new relationships. However, it is equally and only right that you also approach the table with plans to make your community better as well. Ensure that you are aware of the value that you bring to the group. Nothing can hurt the group more than a feeling that there are members who are only TAKERS and not GIVERS.
• Pray before you Pick: The Bible says in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (NIV) Serious question: how does one successfully decide on their community? While all of these noted points will aid you in the process, this point (in my humble opinion) is by far the most important. Start by praying and saying, "Lord, please guide me in Your knowledge and wisdom, as I seek to build my support and community. If there is anyone in my planned selection, who doesn't support my improvement, please reveal this to me. In Your Son Jesus Name, I pray, Amen."
• Be as Upfront as Possible about your Expectations: I believe that by in large, there a lot of people who want to see you win. However, they may not be able to aid you in your winning in the manner that you desire. This lack may be due to a shortage of time, knowledge, or even ability. The best way to avoid these disappointments is to be as forthright with your community as you possibly can. I recall a minister I knew who needed digital promotional support for a campaign he was endeavoring on. He approached me the idea, and I gladly agreed to aid. However, after I completed a few tasks, I noticed that he continued to send work. He expected that I would somehow be joining his team long term; however, with my workload, I was unable. I would go on to explain this to him, and he would ultimately find another to fill this vacancy. Yes, teamwork does may the dream work; however, clarity helps dreams into reality.  
• Be Vulnerable: After you've prayed for God to guide you in your community selection, and after He brings you all into connection, the only way you'll ever glean from them, is you're going to have to share your scars. I know that it's scary; however, you're going to have to open up. If you accept that they aren't perfect, then you must agree that you aren't also. Die to the person that you want others to think you are, and live fully in honest agreement with precisely who you know yourself to be.  
• Accept that You May Get Burned; however, never Broken: The Bible says in Isaiah 54:17 that, "No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper..." (KJV) This passage does powerfully mean that the opposition will never gain the victory. However, this doesn't mean that they won't try. Jesus chose 12, and one of those would go on to betray him. If a member of Jesus' inner circle was able to stand against Him (The Perfect One), then it's only right that members of your circle may potentially turn on you. As you note this, please don't allow this possible reality, to rob you of the power of community. Yes, sometimes the enemy may puncture; however, never forget that he can't prosper.
• Know that no one is Perfect: After all, isn't this what brings us together? Isn't this why we need a community in the first place? The existence of our imperfections proves that we are not perfect. We are people who are subject to failure, disappointments, disagreements, and rejection. We will have moments of triumph and defeat. Moments of wins and losses. These facts are not only okay; they're expected. Ensure to give each other the love and respect that would allow grace to cover our multitude of errors. Yes, we must pursue perfection; however, absent Christ, we cannot attain perfection.   

 
What are your thoughts on the matter?  Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know.
 
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Imperfectly,

Kevin D. Jones, Sr.

Author and Publisher of Perfectly Imperfect Perfectionist
(@kevindjonessr)
(@imperfection360)