How often have you entered into a job without knowing the “do’s and don’ts” of your employer? How often have you entered into a personal relationship without seeking the “rules” that will keep that relationship together? The most likely answer is “too often.” A good working relationship is somewhat like marriage – you see one another every day, you experience one another at their best and worst, and you seek to know the “do’s and don’ts” so the relationship will grow stronger.

The experience of many church musicians and worship leaders has proven that it is essential for staff members to thoughtfully consider both personal and professional relationships and the dynamics that make them work. Following a few basic guidelines can not only instill a great deal of power into a teamwork relationship, but protect it from a variety of difficullties.

Here are 5 rules that can help facilitate better communication and better working relationships between staff members, and between staff and volunteers.

ONE
Do allow ideas to develop naturally
Don’t implement ideas without warning
TWO
Do planning and scheduling together
Don’t fail to fulfill your individual responsibilities
THREE
Do allow yourselves to disagree, but…
Don’t be disagreeable when you disagree
FOUR
Do form a personal and professional relationship
Don’t fail to separate the two relationships
FIVE
Do encourage one another
Don’t criticize without offering a possible solution

This article originally appeared in Creator, the Magazine, and was written by Mark Deakins and Jeff Bullock. © 2013, 2015 Creator Magazine All Rights Reserved