T.O. Is Told To GO

Have you ever been a part of an organization that had a "star" in the group who was very disruptive to the rest of the team? Have you ever led an organization with one these people on your team?

I have been in both situations and both are very difficult.

When you find yourself in a group and one of these prima-donas takes over, it can be very disheartening. It is as if everything is about that person and the rest of the team don't matter. You can begin to feel that management really doesn't care about you and your teammates who are working hard and keeping their mouth shut. Resentment then has a good chance of setting in.

When you are leading an organization, you are oftentimes under tremendous pressure to produce. Having a star performer on your team helps to take much of that stress from your shoulders because you know you can count on that individual. Even if that performer is a problem to the organization it can be very easy to overlook their behavior because of their stellar production.

However, if that performer is causing other problems in the organization, your stress will come from a different place. You will find yourself trying to hold the ship together. You might even consider yourself a glorified baby sitter. No fun whatsoever.

Many of you have heard the news that the Dallas Cowboys have released their star receiver, Terrell Owens. "T.O." as he is called, is a tremendous talent. He is truly a game-changer. However, it seems that problems and team dis-harmony follow him wherever he goes.

I am not a Dallas Cowboy fan, nor am I a Terrell Owens fan. However, I acknowledge the Cowboys management for making a tough decision, to get rid of a player with true "star power"--one who is a true draw for fans. As difficult as this is, I believe it is a choice that can do nothing but help to bring their team together as one...which in the long run will help them tremendously.

"Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name--the name you gave me--so that they may be one as we are one."

John 17:11b