why it is so difficult—and at the same time so crucial—to create
and maintain the right cast of senior characters.”
Building and energizing any team is a tall challenge and more
art than science. We must be realistic about the difficulties and
make adjustments as necessary. Yet teams have exponential power,
and those who serve on them are often amazed at the results.Watch Out! The Chemistry Can Empower, or Explode
Pastor Bill Hybels, in his book Courageous Leadership, says that
earlier in his ministry he didn’t rank the need for great chemistry
with teammates very highly. But after many years of experience,
he became “a convert to the doctrine of chemistry.” He has con-
cluded that personality and temperament, blending with other
team members and with him, represents one of
the top factors in building a great team.
Billy had the advantage of testing the chem-
istry of potential teammates for years before his
team was formed. He knew he not only could work with them but
they could bond together. It was this powerfully positive chem-
istry among Billy and his close associates that made possible
decades of effectiveness.
The mix of chemistry must include loyalty, trust, respect, and
an esprit de corps based on shared goals. When we have the
opportunity to select team members, we must listen to our intu-
itions and best counselors. Bringing on soul mates lifts any enter-
prise or ministry. In contrast, the wrong chemistry can blow up
the best-laid plans.
Cliff Barrows describes that chemistry on the Graham team as
both professional and personal. After sixty years of working with
Billy, Cliff said that Billy always showed “he is a friend of the
team. He spoke of the team and team activities as ‘ours,’ not as
‘me and mine.’”
In addition, Cliff told us, Billy’s refusal to micromanage stimu-
lated positive team chemistry. “One of my greatest resources these
sixty years is the clear sense of Bill’s backing and support,” said Cliff,
“and his belief in me and other members of the team. He respected
Forming the TeamWho you are is who
you attract.
JOHN C. MAXWELL