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Unlocking Diversity
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The church is the body of Christ, with different people fulfilling different functions.
(Rom 12:5) This is a vital concept if a team is going to combine different giftings,
personalities and ministries into a cohesive unit which is able to achieve tasks beyond
the individual capabilities of its members.
We start with the premise that in order to unlock the power of the diversity within the
team, we must first be aware of at least some of that diversity. We need to appreciate and
value the different skills and gifts that each person brings to the team. It is very easy
to fall into the trap of valuing some gifts more highly than others. This approach assumes
that diversity is much more than simply gender or race differences, but rather seeks to
recognise the uniqueness of every individual that God has created.
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Understanding and Managing
DiversityThis section
includes three tools that will help a team build its understanding of the diversity
present within the team. All of them require the team to have some level of comfort with
each other, and in themselves are useful for further team building. The key outcome that
we seek is that members are aware of each other's strengths and personalities, so that
sub-teams can be formed, and tasks delegated in a way that plays to the team's strengths.
Diversity of Background and
Experience
Each team member draws a flip chart which summarises why they are on the team, and
what they feel they bring to it. Then each person presents their flip chart to the rest of
the group - without interruption. More introverted team members may require some
reassurance and encouragement. The leader can add to this by saying what he/she
appreciates about that person and how they can contribute to the team. This needs to be
done both sensitively and naturally.
Diversity of Team Role
The classic approach to understanding team
roles was developed by Dr Meredith Belbin. His Self Perception Inventory is an
excellent tool for team members to use to understand differences in their preferred team
roles. Belbin's approach complements the gifts/skills analysis by recognising that as well
as contributing tasks and expertise to the team, people also have a preferred style of
interacting with others on the team (team role). This Self Perception Inventory is
available in the following:
Management Teams R Meredith Belbin Butterworth Heinemann 1981
Teamwork Gordon & Rosemary Jones Appendix 9 1995
Diversity of Gifts and
Ministries
Understanding the range of spiritual gifts and aptitudes within the team can be
extremely useful. There are a range of tools that can be used. However,
often these are used purely individually, but it can be extremely useful
to map out a team's gifts to learn more about how you can work together
effectively.
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Pause
for Thought : What diversity exists within your team? Consider each
member in turn, and think of the real strengths they have and the potential contributions
they could make. Are you making the most of your diversity as a team? |

This material is copyright to The Teal Trust, (www.teal.org.uk) © 2002, but
may be reproduced with permission for non-profit use. |
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