Team Challenge Opportunity or Not?

[WORDpictures]

Forwarded some media conference options to our team leader - no interest expressed, but looks like a fellow team peer is on board (we're both video producers). Again, asking your advice for tact. Everyone on the team gets along well - but there's no sense of progress toward needed improvements.

Should I play up the fact that "the team" has representatives attending and try to involve leadership as being in the loop by asking what issues they might like for us to check into while we have direct contact with media professionals at the conference? Or, should I keep my enthusiasm quiet amidst the tech team? It seems awkward (almost like planning a mutiny) to "not" discuss this with the group, but it's also awkward that the leadership seems disinterested. Or just regard it as personal growth opportunity - forget the team. I would appreciate your perspectives. (There is no agenda here - it's something I'd attend regardless of the situation).

[[Director] Joseph B]

Well, it sounds like it's a PGE (personal growth experience) for you wether by default or by design. Personally I would absolutely let them know I was going and ask if there was something specific that would benefit not only you but the team you might attend. It's not as if you're asking them to pay for it so I would think they would be glad you're going to be attending (if for no other reason then they are sharing your joy)

[kbob]

I make a habit of always inviting the teams to come to cmn'er gatherings, and any other training sessions I can find-even ones I may not be interested in. We've actually got several team members interested in the next cmn'er meeting here in Orlando soon-which is a first (at least in a long time).

No harm in keeping them informed, and don't take it personally if they all continue to show no interest.

[WORDpictures]

I'm praying whether to step away from this team. Finally accepted there is an ingrained stalemate between me and the leadership.

Don't want to walk away from the pleasant associations I've made here. Without realistic hope of working collaboratively for progress, I know I will have struggles with negativity in this environment. (Proverbs 13:12 - "Hope deferred makes the heart sick")

GOOD NEWS is there are several other productive, positive media opportunities on which I can focus here - besides this particular team.

[tedanderson]

Do what you do and invite everyone else to come along. If they don't respond, don't worry about it. Those who do will just tell the others and make them want to come next time.

I have sort of a similar problem when the trade shows come to my area. It is somewhat of a catch 22. Every year I invite my collegues to come and they don't respond so I go without them. And then when I show them the video of the show floor and some of the exibits and I bring back some of the coffee cups and other promotional gizmos and gadgets, they feel slighted as if I refused to share the info.

[kbob]

...that's a reason I personally stepped down out of a direct leadership role myself. Now, I play what we call in another ministry I'm involved in a "Sniper"-essentially, I can pick and choose my projects, and occasionally get asked for advice, fill in where needed, etc...

I like it for now, though I'd love a full time paid position somewhere, doing this...a techie can dream, right?!

[Gracetech]

Tact in a Church, surely you jest!

I tend to be straight forward with everyone when it comes to training. Everyone knows that i'm going to be coming along at some point to ask them about what is going on. It's away for people to not auto pilot through things. If people are actively thinking about what is going on then they will be learning by default. My stance on continuing education is "if i quit learning roll me into my grave because i'm dead". It's a tough thing sometimes to break people out of their ruts and get them moving and excited about the life changing thing we call God. You would think that people would be excited to learn/hone skills to better serve Him but sometimes people get into that "good enough" mind set and you just want to shake them(sensitive point for me right now). It never hurts to encourage but sometimes people need to hear it from above, no not from God..although that would be cool.., from elders or Pastors and such. Find an open minded leader that has a active spirit and juice them up on the benefits of Media(especially in today's society) and watch him/her go.

crt

[WORDpictures]

So. . . I'm collaborating with alternative leadership, the special event manager for a major upcoming event here. Instead of live-switching-as-usual, we'll be beta testing a DVD product video approach as a potentially major fundraising project. I'll be overseeing, editing, prepping video crew for this multicam-to-tape shoot to sync with a custom multi-track audio mix!

Pray all goes well with this change-up in the usual flow.

[tedanderson]

I am in agreement with that prayer.