Showing Gratitude

As a pastor's wife we always strive to make our team and volunteers feel appreciated. Just thought I would share those with you. I know how it feels to work really hard towards a goal or be on a team and not feel validated. It strips your team of unity and it robs them of a sense of accomplishment. So here are a few ways to avoid the pitfall of taking your team for granted or causing dissidence among the ranks.

1. Always always say thank you no matter how small the deed say thank you.

2. Show your gratitude with a card or random gift or a just because gift.

3. Be proactive in all things instead of reactive.

4. Be available to your team. Don't live on island no one can reach.

5. Plan team building events that all can participate in. Try to keep finances and family time in mind because these things often add stress. Example. Don't plan events that cause money and make them mandatory keep family budgets in mind not every one might be able to afford this. When planning a team building event keep the whole family in mind you want to create fun not add stress to the family.

6. Never never discuss a staff issue with a church member. Actually don't ever discuss staff issues with anyone other than the staff member. Remember the Matthew principal it works.

7. Treat all your team with respect. Always remember respect is earned don't take it for granted.

8. Be a team player. Always lead by example. Your team is watching or waiting for you to set the pace.

9. Be loving and kind that will get you a long way. No one likes a dictator.

10. Once again thank you goes a long way. Your team needs to hear your affirmation. They need to know you appreciate them and what they do is valuable to your team. After all you can't achieve true success without your team no man can be a team alone it takes others buying into your vision and helping you fulfill the vision for the church.

That's my ten quick steps to showing gratitude. I know I value my team they are the best group of young people I have ever worked with. We love them and appreciate all they do but most of all we value them as people.

It is important for those around us to know we love them and respect them. Jay and I try to lead by example and earn respect. We take nothing for granted and work hard and validating what they do. I guarantee you affirmation goes a long way. I personally never want to lead as a dictator or want my staff to lead with blind submission. I want to hear their thoughts and their ideas and allow them to develop them and grow them. We are here to serve Christ and serve the needs of the church not have the church serve our needs.

Remember it's only my opinion...