"For those on Mission to Reach the Globe"

Welcome to the monthly feature, Cross-cultural Perspectives from the Director. In 500 words or less, I will discuss relevant topics relating to the missions environment. The purpose of these articles is to influence, inform, and encourage missionaries and others toward individual development and consideration of pertinent cross-cultural issues. I trust that you find a host of beneficial missions topics on this page.

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Cross-Cultural Perspectives -
My C-Wish List

C-Wish List? Hope it caught your attention and dispatched you into the land of Wonder. I’m not talking about my birthday wish list. I’ve been too busy to even jot down my Christmas wish list. My thoughts have been captivated with the C-Wish List; the list of characteristics I look for in a team member.

You will notice as your browse through this monthly communiqué that we have added several new faces to Global Missions. What is it that I expect from a team member in Global Missions? An executive assistant or staff member? A colleague on the Office Management Team? A leader on the GMAC (Global Missions Administrative Committee)? A member of the Global Missions Board? A missionary or AIM worker? Each characteristic, as you will notice, begins with the letter “c” so I have penned it my C-Wish List. I have not placed them in order of importance.

1. Character: indispensable in any team effort. Much has been written on the subject. Sufficient to say, members of the Global Missions team need to be men and women of integrity and can be counted upon always to do what is right in God’s sight.
2. Compatible: studies have shown that the ability to get along with others is even more desired than skills. Chemistry and a kindred spirit are essential to a good working relationship. We won’t agree on everything and that’s healthy. Conflict happens but compatibility helps rescue the day.
3. Creative: Anyone can be critical. I wish for team members that are creative and constructive. Finding faults and problems are not signs of spiritual gifting. But, someone that can identify a problem and chart the solution is a proverbial breath of fresh air for any leader.
4. Consistent: I’m not looking for a fly-by-night or a seven-day-wonder. Can the team person produce over the long haul? Does he/she have a track record of being consistent in achieving good things for the kingdom?
5. Confidentiality: In leadership we see people at their best and at their worst. People trust us to give proper advice, counsel, an understanding compassionate ear, and to keep things confidential. I need team members that will watch my back so as to speak, and when I say, “This is confidential” I know that is exactly where it will stay.
6. Credible: Solid relationships are built on trust. Team members should be trustworthy and reliable. In delegating tasks and assignments I need those that will do it, and do it to the best of their ability. They can be counted on to do what counts, when it counts, and how it counts.
7. Cross-cultural communicator: In global missions the ability to communicate cross-culturally, correctly and clearly is a definite advantage.
8. Compassionate: I’ve always said that I wouldn’t want to work with someone that isn’t compassionate. That isn’t the same as being a pushover, by the way. Like it is often quoted, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care?” Even tough decisions can be issued in a compassionate manner. I could add “caring” but it’s basically the same thing.
9. Completion: A good team member exists not to compete but to complete. Everyone has weaknesses and strengths. I want team members that cover areas that I may be weak. We don’t need everyone possessing the same skill-set.
10. Capacity: Does the team member have a teachable attitude and a willingness to learn and expand? We live in an ever-changing, ever-developing environment and must be willing to change and to learn new methods and skills.
11. Conscientious: The team member should have a built in quest for excellence. I’m not real big on mistakes. Yes, they do happen, but should be kept to a minimum. And when a mistake does happen, one should admit it, correct it, and move on.
12. Courtesy: All team members should be respectful, diplomatic, and treat people as they would want to be treated. Sometimes, we are like two porcupines out in the cold: we need each other and we needle each other. Yet, team members should be courteous.
13. Call: Like I said, these are not in the order of importance. If they were, this should be moved closer to the top. Team members need to know assuredly that they are in the will of God and that they are called to the team for such a time as this. It is a safe anchor in times of confusion and chaos.
14. Credentials: Team members should have credentials, characteristics, and experience equal to the requirements of the job description they hold.
15. Compromise: We can’t have our own way all the time. Team members need to be willing to compromise for the common good of others or be conciliatory to the united decisions and desires of the team. At the same time, one should never compromise convictions or move away from apostolic doctrine. Of course, that should never happen in Global Missions anyway.

Stopping there is probably best. I don’t want to tire you in wading through a longer wish list. Here’s your homework.

1. Go through the wish list and verify characteristics you want for any of your team members?
2. Go back through doing a personal inventory. Score yourself. Are you a good team member?
3. Share the list with those that work on your team in your area of the world. People have the tendency to rise to your level of expectation.

After that, remember Christmas is coming. Sit down and write that C-Wish List, as well. Until next month, God richly bless you and give you the desires of your heart. My heart’s desire is that each of us would strive to implement the fifteen characteristics above as we endeavor to be team members together with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

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My C-Wish List
Soar
Walking Through the Open Door of Opportunity
Search or Harvest
Culprits of Crosscultural Relationships Revised
The Full Circle Church
Transition of Leadership
Strategy Planning for World Missions
Reaching and Teaching
Reflecting and Projecting in Between
Called, Chosen, Faithful
Lost on Deputation
Missions Beyond Return or Retirement
Word Watching Revised
Building the Bridge Part One
Moving From Here to There
Back to School
Decade to Dare
Missionary Vulnerability Scale
Characteristics of Weak Leaders
Beyond
Deaf By Choice
Determining Global Values
Stages of Transition
Seasons
God Never Sleeps
Like Home For the Holidays
Wait
They Continued
Leadership Development
Blog World After All
Holding On & Letting Go
Cross-Cultural Relationships
Ten Qualities of Pastoral Board Members
Landmarks to Fuller Potential Part Two
Landmarks to Fuller Potential
I Had A Dream
Roses Through The Thorns
Watch Your Attitude
Death Wouldn't Matter
Missions Unchangeables
Language Acquisition Made Simple
Extra Set of Hands
Interpreters
Comparatively Speaking
Extra Set of Hands
Tools to Accomplish
Developing Leaders
Trendsetter or Rutrider
Regional Missions
Riding A Horse Called "Trend"
Living Between Worlds
What Went Wrong with Missions
Fire Still Falls
Color Me Green
Missionary Vulnerability
Church Evolution
Big Words
Are You Centripetal, Centrifugal, or both?
Cross Missionary Perspectives Part 2
Cross Missionary Perspectives Part 1
Striving For Progress
Learning The Internet Culture: Part 2
Learning The Internet Culture: Part 1
Global Council
Internet Evangelism
Dealing With Overload
Devoted For Life
Need For Missionaries
Goals