Give Your Team Permission to Grow

I was recently asked why some volunteer teams are better at recruiting and growing their team members than others. I firmly believe that the primary reason a team grows strong team members and recruits more team members than others is that they give their team permission to do so.

When was the last time a team member came to ask you if they could do something that you would consider “a no brainer”? Was it recent? Last month? Yesterday?

If your team is asking you to do things that will make a positive impact, not hurt anyone, and not put something (or someone) at risk, then why not just let them do it?

Why not let a team member spend $50 to fix some defective tool or replace a burnt network device?

Why not let a team member start a small Bible study group with some other students in their night class?

Why not let a team member organize a Saturday morning tea party with some ladies from inside and outside the church for outreach?

As leaders, we need to allow our team members to have permission to grow. They need ownership of their team, rather than having their actions micromanaged. If necessary, create a one page guideline for when they don’t need your permission to do something. Hand it out, then support them in whatever they do if they abide by the intent of the guidelines.

Many of us have been too strict in our leadership recently. It is time to give our teams permission to grow. Otherwise, what is the alternative?

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