I spent two weeks at Camp Adventure this summer. Both weeks were served by tremendous people who'd agreed to give their best effort, with great attitudes, to deliver a successful summer camp. We knew what success looked like so we each did our best for Jesus and the kids He loves.
June Camp leadership Team
July Camp leadership Team
I was thanking God for the unity, passion and hard work everyone contributed to our camp leadership teams when I decided to jot down a few recommendations. I'm often asked why our camps have such great leaders. It think one reason is because we're all working with the same core values and expectations.
You may not be working at summer camp, but If you're ever privileged to work on a team, for someone trying to do something worthwhile, maybe this list of expectations will help you succeed.
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1. Know your job.
Clarity is your friend. If you’re not sure what a “win” looks like, it’ll be difficult to achieve it. Does your notion of success match your supervisor's? Make sure you have consensus on the work you agree to do. Get clear on your supervisor’s expectations:
- How often are you to report on your process and progress?
- How does your supervisor like to receive your reports? Emails? Hard copies? Face-to-face?
- Are you expected to do the work, or are you expected to build teams to get the work done?
- Ask for ideas, recommendations and feedback.
2. Do your job.
- Do what you agreed to do. Do it to the best of your ability.
- Beware of tangential success; don’t siphon off energy to do good things that aren’t your job, if doing those things drains you of the passion and strength you need to fulfill your mission.
3. Check your priorities.
Most of us have several tasks to accomplish. Success often follows wise choices made in the turmoil of conflicting values. We need to check with our supervisors to make sure we’re working on the things they value most. When your plate is full, and you're asked to "Juggle one more ball," ask, “Which of these projects and assignments do you want me to focus on first? What is most important to you?”
4. Help your teammates do their jobs.
Notice others. Assist them as you can. Look for ways to help them succeed. Eager collaboration with teammates working together, and helping each other, leads to the joy of shared success. How much do your really gain when you do your part well, but the entire organization fails? Get involved with the rest of the team and help.
5. Stay within your budget. (Money. Time. Space)
- Don’t spend more money than you’ve been allocated.
- Don’t use space, equipment or rooms that haven't been made available to you.
- Don’t turn your work in late. Projects have deadlines. Don’t think you can spend time you don't have working on one of your assignments.
6. Play nice.
At the end of the day, you should remember there is probably someone else who can do your job. Never forget that one of the reasons your supervisor retains your services is because of your positive attitude and your friendly manner. Most of us would rather work with people who get along well with others, have a solution orientation and know how to play nice in the sandbox.
7. Dress right.
Whatever your job, dress in such a way that you appear prepared to do your job, and do it well. You should remember this truism: the more bizarre, extreme and fringe you choose to make your appearance, the better you’ll need to be at your job.
8. Ask what else you can do to help.
A willing worker, eager to add value and increase their contribution to the mission, is most likely to be rewarded.
9. Never mistake activity for accomplishment.
Have you heard about the salesman who kept telling his boss that he’d “knocked on doors all day,” when the boss wanted to know how many sales he’d actually made? Just because you’re busy doesn’t mean your making progress….even though being busy increases the likelihood that you will.
10. Work hard and smart.
- Show up first. Maximize your time. Leave last.
- Remember: “Efficiency” is doing things right, but “Effectiveness” is doing right things. Just because you’re working hard to be very efficient doesn’t mean you’re working on the right things.
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Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.