Is your team struggling to be focused? (187-2)

When leaders express vision their team will be encouraged. Read Zechariah 2:1-13.

Zechariah was writing to people who had recently experienced a seventy-year exile from their homeland to Babylon. The small contingent who had returned to Judah and Jerusalem were being challenged to finish the temple construction when Zechariah gave them this message of hope and encouragement. Zechariah encouraged the people to complete the rebuilding project by giving them a vision of the Messiah who would come to this temple and bring salvation to the people.

Throughout Scripture God established a pattern of encouragement by giving vision that went far beyond the current circumstances. Just a few examples:

• Isaiah 40:1-2 “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for…”
• Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you…plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
• John 14:1-2 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.”
• John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Few functions a leader performs are more important than keeping the vision fresh for their team. A clearly defined vision brings encouragement to a team, and encouragement brings energy to their team’s daily tasks and refreshes their spirit. The encouragement feeds hope that generates excitement and unity. A solid vision creates a positive attitude which allows a team to anticipate possible future events and developments. Vision brings a team synergy; as vision gives encouragement, hope and excitement are generated; that leads to unity; which leads to productivity; which fulfills the vision. Through Zechariah, God was reassuring the people that He had brought them back to the land for a purpose much bigger than a temple project.

Does your team seem discouraged? Is your team struggling to be focused? Do you have a clear image of the work God has called you to do? When is the last time you re-focused your team on the big picture? Wise leaders encourage their team and sustain their team’s hope by keeping the vision fresh. They communicate objectives that offer hope for a better tomorrow and motivate their team to move forward enthusiastically.