day 349: Unanimity

The dictionary says that unanimity is; "the state or quality of being unanimous; a consensus or undivided opinion." I call it being able to get on the same page and being in agreement on how we are going to get stuff done. Having this, or not having this, can be the difference between winning and losing in the business world. When a team is on the same page and everyone is pulling in the same direction with agreement and consensus, amazing things can happen. When only one person is not aligned with where the rest of the team is trying to go then the whole thing starts to fall a part. The question I always ask is, "Who has the responsibility for gaining unanimity?" At first it is the usual suspect, the boss, the manager, the leader. That is a true assumption but the responsibility does not lie with that person solely. A team is not a team without everyone taking some responsibility in assuring themselves and others that they are on the same page and aligned. Too often I see people pointing their fingers at others as the answer to finding alignment when all they really need to do is look at themselves and change their attitude, let go of some resentful feelings, give of themselves more than they are taking, or slow down and let someone else catch up. Too many times, we are the problem. Being unanimity builders is a great example of the role model that God wants us to be. Jesus taught over and and over that peace, love and how others are treated would solve so many problems. He teaches us today in Matthew 12:25 that we cannot be divided and misaligned and expect that something good will happen; "Any kingdom at war with itself is doomed. A city or house divided against itself is doomed." Those are some pretty strong words and words for us to heed. Today, search yourself and the relationships around you and see where you are not in unanimity. Bringing everyone onto the same page may not ensure that disaster won't strike, but it's pretty clear that without everyone coming together, the chance of success is slim to none.

Reference: Matthew 12:25 (New Living Testament)