Saving Your Church from Itself - Six Subtle Behaviors That Tear Teams Apart and How to Stop Them

Chris Sonksen's book "Six Subtle Behaviors That Undermine Team Unity and Lead to Problems" offers a blueprint for church leaders to identify and address behaviors that undermine team unity and lead to problems, such as pride, artificial harmony, isolation, a critical spirit, divisiveness, and disrespect.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 09 August 2022
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Chris Sonksen, a coach and mentor to hundreds of pastors, has witnessed firsthand the detrimental consequences when a team member strays from the vision of the church and the leader they serve. However, it is important to note that these situations are not unexpected and can be anticipated through warning signs. In his insightful book, Sonksen delves into six subtle behaviors that undermine team unity and pose challenges to church leadership. These behaviors include pride, artificial harmony, isolation, a critical spirit, divisiveness, and disrespect.

By identifying these behaviors, Sonksen provides a valuable blueprint for addressing and preventing them from infiltrating team dynamics. Alignment of vision and purpose is not a mere coincidence but requires careful attention and proactive strategies. With Chris Sonksen's guidance, church leaders can safeguard their churches from internal conflicts and maintain unity among their team members.

Pride is a particularly insidious behavior that can erode team cohesion. When individuals prioritize their own interests or ego over the collective goals of the team, it creates divisions and fosters a sense of superiority. This can lead to resentment and a breakdown in communication, ultimately hindering the church's mission.

Artificial harmony, on the other hand, is the practice of suppressing genuine differences and disagreements in order to maintain a superficial appearance of unity. While it may seem like a solution to avoid conflict, it ultimately undermines trust and respect among team members. When individuals are not allowed to express their opinions or concerns, it can lead to frustration and a lack of commitment to the team's goals.

Isolation is another behavior that can undermine team unity. When team members feel disconnected or excluded from the broader church community, it can create a sense of isolation and disillusionment. This can lead to decreased engagement and productivity, as well as a lack of motivation to contribute to the team's success.

A critical spirit is a mindset that perceives flaws and weaknesses in others as a means to assert dominance or superiority. This behavior can create an environment of fear and insecurity among team members, hindering their ability to collaborate and work together towards a common goal.

Divisiveness is the act of dividing people or groups into factions or camps based on differences in opinion or belief. This behavior can create barriers to communication and collaboration, ultimately hindering the church's mission. It can also lead to a sense of division and resentment among team members.

Disrespect is the absence of respect or consideration for others. It can manifest in various ways, such as ignoring or belittling others' opinions, speaking rudely or dismissively, or failing to acknowledge their contributions. This behavior can erode trust and respect among team members, ultimately hindering the church's mission.

In conclusion, Chris Sonksen's book offers valuable insights into the behaviors that undermine team unity and lead to problems in church leadership. By recognizing these behaviors and implementing proactive strategies, church leaders can safeguard their churches from internal conflicts and maintain a healthy, unified, and forward-moving team. Alignment of vision and purpose is not a mere coincidence but requires careful attention and proactive strategies. With Chris Sonksen's guidance, church leaders can save their churches from themselves and continue to impact their communities for the kingdom good.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781540900197