BETTER BY SUNDAY
[ PREVENTING WORSHIP & TECH TEAM FAILS ]
THE COMMUNICATION PROBLEM
Doug Doppler
This month’s column was originally going that is good and one thing that is improving, has been working hard on streamlining our
to focus on how to address the challenges before getting to things they feel need communication. Some communication is best
around the “scrooges who steal Sunday”. improvement. The emotion around chronic suited for eMail, some is better for text, and
But as I thought about it more, I realized that problems can be blinding, and this approach Basecamp is our equivalent of PCO. Just like a
poor communication is often the root of the enables everyone to focus on what is working worship team, getting everyone doing the same
problems our teams face. An informal survey in the context of addressing what isn’t. thing in a timely fashion requires a team spirit
revealed that many of my magazine colleagues and grace. Leaders, let your team know what
were given no specific guidelines of what was kind of communication will be shared on which
expected of them, both on and off the platform.
While I don’t condone grumpy behavior, in the
absence of clearly defined expectations, it is
understandable why people respond negatively
to pervasive problems and communication
breakdowns.
Here
are
some
practical
suggestions for solving problems by improving
communication.
RUNNING ON EMPTY
Many tech teams are one person deep for each
role, and sometimes the only feedback they get
When a team
is running on
succinctly is a great way to let everyone know
you are a team player!
TEAM GUIDELINES
fumes, their
attitude and that
of their spouses
can suffer.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article,
team guidelines seem to be a blind spot
for a number of churches. It is much easier
to let someone know what is expected of
them before they join a team, than have an
uncomfortable conversation after the fact.
Here are some things people might want to
is when something goes wrong. When a team is
running on fumes, their attitude and that of their
platform. Team members, replying quickly and
find out when they audition as well as share
PLANNING CENTER ONLINE
in your team guidelines. How often will people
spouses can suffer. Leaders, it is vital to realize
be expected to serve? Do they have to attend
that checking in one-on-one with your peeps If your church is not already using PCO, I’d rehearsal on weeks they’re not rostered? How
can prevent a downward spiral. It is equally vital suggest kicking the tires on this awesome prepared should they be for rehearsal? Do you
for team members to let your leaders know if resource, noting that churches like Hillsong have a policy on platform-appropriate attire?
you’re having a hard time – nobody wants you have been using it for over a decade. Leaders, Does your team have someone to help people
running on fumes! PCO makes it easy to roster people weeks and get up to speed on things like PCO or personal
even months in advance, as well as share (and monitor systems?
WHERE TO START
transpose) charts and audio files to the key
they’ll be played in. Team members, responding
IN LOVE AND WITH GRACE
While finding the root of a problem is key to quickly to scheduling requests and blocking preventing it from happening again, creating an out dates you’re unavailable makes your The emotion around chronic problems can run
environment where it’s OK to discuss problems leader’s job easier, while potentially preventing deep, so it is important to remember that we all
and track solutions is also key. I would suggest other team members from getting last minute have blind spots. Being presented with them
getting your worship and tech teams together requests. PCO is probably the best vehicle out is a lot less confrontational when done in love
every three months for some pizza and a good there to fast track your team past rostering and and with grace.
“heart to heart”. If possible, sit in a circle so set list driven challenges.
everyone can see one another, and be sure to
document the meeting using something like
MATCH THE MESSAGE TO THE MEDIUM
Voice Memos on an iPhone. One at a time, I’d
suggest having each person share one thing
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Our magazine is a ministry, and our team
March 2018
Doug Doppler
Doug is the Editorial Director for Worship Musician
and Gear Tech + Recording magazines.
WorshipMusician.com
WorshipMusician.com