No one would argue against the need for unity in our churches and organizations. But I am sure you also know that unity does not come easy. So, how do you even begin creating this cultural characteristic where you lead?
I invited Lawrence Kind, a high-level leader who worked for Milliken, to join me for a conversation about this seventh characteristic in the Leadership Culture Matters series: Unity is everything. Lawrence, with his business wisdom and servant’s heart for the Lord, felt like the perfect choice to talk with about unity, especially as he was integral in helping make unifying choices during a pivotal season of the church I lead.
Two things that Lawrence learned during his long years in leadership that unity requires are clarity and accountability.
CLARITY
First, your expectations need to be well-articulated. People do best when they know what is being asked of them. Those you lead also need clarity of vision. It is vital that you cast a clear, purposeful vision for everyone to unify around. You are not looking for superficial conformity or people simply showing up for a paycheck. Unity is when those you lead say, “I really want to be a part of what is happening here.”
Along with clarity comes the need for accountability. This means now that everyone knows where they are headed and what is expected, it is time to move forward together.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Unity is more than an ideal for us to aspire to or an attitude we nurture and maintain. Unity is also a verb - meaning it is a purposeful action we daily choose to take. Unity is showing up for your work or organization, caring about the direction you are all going together, and doing the little things right. It is getting up every day and serving for the glory of Christ. It is personal accountability and doing the right things, even when it seems monotonous. When everyone chooses to work and serve this way, that combined effort of moving in one direction creates unity. Having one-on-one accountability meetings can be highly beneficial in keeping everyone on the same page.
It is important to stop and note, though, that unity does not always mean total agreement. In any church or Christian setting, unity is not people knowing how to agree all the time. It is learning how to disagree. When we don't see eye to eye on an issue, we don't have to take it personally or let it drive a wedge in our relationship. Instead, we can keep moving forward on the essential things in unity.
WORK PROACTIVELY
You cannot wait until your church, organization, business, or even classroom is disunified before you talk about unity. Honestly, if you wait until there is discord and disunity, it is too late to bring it up. You must work for unity proactively, not reactively.
Lawrence offered a good way to begin proactively working towards unity with a story about Coach Lou Holtz. Coach Holtz was continually asked how he got groups of young people to come together on the football field and work together so well under his leadership. He said that while they came to him loving the sport and wanting to play, it really came down to them wanting to know two things:
- Do you care about me as an individual?
- Can I trust you?
How would the people you lead answer those questions? If you want to unify those around you in purpose and direction, make sure they know you care about them and show yourself trustworthy. Then, you will have good building blocks to help you move forward together.
Lawrence truly possesses a wealth of wisdom, and I believe we are wise as leaders when we lean in and learn from those who have a few more decades of experience than us. I hope you will listen to more practical wisdom about fostering unity in your church, ministry, or workplace in Episode 7: Unity is Everything Ft. Guest: Lawrence Kind here.