What Hoosiers taught me about Teamwork – June 28, 2015
From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
– Ephesians 4:16
One of my favorite movies of all time is Hoosiers. It is loosely based on the true story of a tiny little high school in Indiana with an enrollment of 161 that went on to win the basketball state championship in 1954. There are so many aspects about the movie that I love, like the emphasis on hard work, overcoming the odds, fundamentals, etc. But my favorite part of the movie is when the team huddles together, receives some direction from Coach Norman Dale, and then hollers out in unison, “TEAM!” They don’t yell out “Hustle” or “Win,” which are important values, but they rally around the concept of “TEAM!”
There is a whole spectrum of philosophies toward the “right” kind of leadership. Since assuming the position of Principal in the High School, I have received advice on how to lead from every end of that spectrum – ranging from advice to ‘Become a dictator who rules with an iron fist!’ to ‘Be hands-off and just go with the flow!’ I appreciate all the advice and counsel, but I am confident in my leadership style, which is one that I have used all my life and fits my personality and philosophy.
My personal philosophy of leadership is one based on the TEAM concept. It is my desire as Captain of the USS Parkview High School to lead a healthy, organized, well-functioning team. I believe leadership qualities can be developed and drawn out of every teacher or student with the right structure and support. I love providing opportunities for teachers and students to truly shine and to use the gifts with which the Lord has so richly blessed them. There are different ways to lead, and I often tell our students they do not need a title to be a leader.
In the same way with our faculty, I have promised them that I will treat them like the professionals they are. When I task them with a responsibility, I trust they will do their job to the best of their ability. I will provide support, but I will also provide accountability. I am trying to provide opportunities through committees, formal and informal feedback, surveys, etc, to provide ways for my staff to give me input on issues that are important to them.
I believe we maintain a good balance for our students and our faculty between encouraging personal responsibility and providing guidelines in order to keep them on the right path. I want to reward successful behavior and encourage proper risk-taking. I want to take the time to teach when mistakes are made and promote a culture of continuous improvement.
Ultimately, however, I understand that the buck stops with me. I have no desire to skirt my responsibilities or cast the blame on others. But I also believe Proverbs 11:14 which says, Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers. I believe empowering our teachers and our students will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility. With the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will lead the way. There are great days ahead for Parkview Baptist School. Let us resolve to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. – Andrew Carnegie
Let’s be uncommon,
Ben D. Haindel
High School Division Head