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Unlocking Diversity

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.

Managing Diversity

Understanding and Managing Diversity

This 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.

managing diversityDiversity 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.

managing diversityDiversity 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

managing diversityDiversity 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.
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?


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