That's The Way We've Always Done It.

What is the deal with people who are stuck in a rut and do not know how to get out of it? Just because it has been done a certain way in the past does not mean that is the correct way that it should be done now. I am tired of people saying "that's the way we've always done it". Things change and people change. We need to keep moving forward instead of moving forward then taking two steps backward. Sometimes things are better if they are changed and adapted. I understand this cannot happen overnight, but we need to be open, honest, and stop having back door meetings that are closed just to keep the status quo because that is how it always has been before. I know I am young and sometimes can be naïve. I know I have much to learn. But sometimes not knowing the whole history and background behind something is a good thing!

A wise mentor gave me the button that is pictured here when I got my job in Kentucky. She told me that I would come upon some challenges in my new job, but that I needed to tell people not to expect what has always been done before. Change is good and is inevitable sometimes, so you best make the changes and decisions yourself based on what you want or think is best for the situation. If you do what has always been done in the past and continue the cycle then you will have a huge mess evidentially to cleanup if the cycle is ever broken. The repair mess will be harder to cleanup than the actual planning and development of the initial change itself.
 
This summer I have been given the opportunity to learn more about leadership through an organization I am a part of called AAFCS. I have been selected for a "Leadership Academy" to help mold and train me on “leading yourself and leading others” into the future. This is an elite group of professionals like me and someone saw potential in all of us, so they selected us to be on the team. I took several leadership courses when I got my master’s degree and I have attended numerous in-services on the topic, but I am no expert and never desire to be one on the subject.  I am a lifelong learner who loves continuing my education. I am excited about this opportunity and I am sure you will hear me blog more about this after I get to experience the academy first hand. I am hoping that I will have a new wealth of knowledge to bring back to my community and the groups I work with.   

However, until then here on my thoughts and reflections on teams and leadership.

• Teams work together based on coordination, collaboration, and cooperation under a leader with a little help of delegation.
• I believe that communication is the key to making things happen when you work with teams.
• A good basic definition of leadership is to influence others toward a shared goal.
• Good leaders delegate and trust in the work of their teammates.
• To delegate means to entrust to another.
• We must have trust, which is basically faith, reliance and confidence in others instead of thinking the worst possible scenario. Hebrews 11:1 says that faith is having the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
• As individuals, we cannot do it all and that is the beauty of teamwork and why it was created in the first place!
• Keep in mind that there is no “I” in team.
• We are all to have trust in the Lord and do good (Psalm 37:3). So, if we put our sight on the Lord, turn things over to him, and do good through our works then I am pretty sure that he will help fill in the gaps where there are deficiencies…but we need to have faith.
• In Matthew 7:15-20 Jesus teaches us to watch out for false prophets though.  “Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” As leaders we need to see the good in people and have faith they will help bear the good fruit to help the team reach the common goal. If as leaders we only think our team will bring in bad fruit, then they will bring in bad fruit because we never gave them a chance to reap a good harvest.
• Rome was not built in a day!
• Whenever our leadership roles and teamwork become overwhelming we need to tell ourselves "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13.
• In the end we all need to live by this rule of thumb, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize" Philippians 4:13 because ultimately we should be seeking to be heaven bound. 

Needless to say sometimes I get discouraged when I hear things like "That's the way we've always done it", "That's just how it is here and you'll just have to excuse us" or "I know you don't understand all the ins and outs here, but...". To me these all just sound like excuses for why people do not want to make simple changes that might start to change lives and help improve the quality of lives of people. Yes, I know I've used those lines before and I will be the first to admit it that I am as guilty as anyone else. I am trying too hold to those above thoughts that I have learned from bible studies, college classes, in-services and trainings. I am trying to put those thoughts into practice in my life with the groups and teams I work with. There comes a time when we all need to say enough is enough. When enough people band together and say enough is enough and become one then maybe others will take notice and join the team. 

Life is not always rosy, happy, and sweet like everyone wants you to believe it is. Have you ever noticed on Facebook that people usually only report the happy smiling memories? Sometimes life is real. Sometimes it involves change and making the first move. Other times it involves setting back and doing your own thing while allowing others to do their own thing and hope they realize something needs to be done. We need to have faith that those individuals will see there needs to be change and they need to initiate it. But we need to be the example and maybe one day they will want assistance when they realize they need help. You cannot make people change, they have to want it for themselves. You can lead by your example, encourage, and join a team of like minded people. But the most important thing to do is keep the faith and maybe one day true leadership and teamwork might be in the vocabulary of those around you.