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Got a chance to sit down with Keith Deloria, our pastor from Ilo Ilo who is doing a phenomenal job.  Our topic?  “Your only as good as your team.”

It’s unfortunate sometimes that the leader is the only one that gets the credit when none of the achievements can really be realized without the team.

I got the chance to catch the last 2 quarters of game 4 of the PBA finals (Alaska vs. Purefoods).  Tim Cone is now a legend.  He has won 12 championship rings for Alaska and that’s such a difficult feat to achieve.  An awesome coach but this past championship series was a disappointment for him, I’m sure.

On the other hand, the young mentor of Purefoods, Ryan Gregorio looked really, really good.  How come?  Not only because they won the championship, but his whole team pitched in and stepped up… as in everyone.  From Caneleta to Kerby, J.Yap to R.Yap, Maierhofer to MarcPing, Artadi to Allado.  His team made him look good.

At the end of the day, it really isn’t JUST about the coach.  In fact, the coach is only as good as his team.

We have too many leaders with “messianic complex” and with an “all-star attitude.”

There’s no “I” in the word team.  Remember, it takes five to complete your starting line up.

Leadership lesson moment with Keith – “You’re only as good as your team.”

What the team does, the team accomplishes…

We met this morning to continue our strategic planning for discipleship.  I am privileged to work with brilliant men and women.

Working with these guys taught me one important lesson – I am not necessarily the smartest person in the room.  I just happen to be the leader.

I’ve always known this (the not the smartest guy in the room part) but consistently finding out and appreciating the wisdom in the room is such an awesome honor.

Mae “Cutie” Perez – who is so brilliant with volunteer management.  She makes Jimmy Carter feel like 4 feet tall with her volunteer management prowess.

Dennis “Action Man” Isleta – who is such a soldier in the kingdom of God who is both a leader and a servant.  He makes Norman Swarzkopf pee in his pants.

Jun “the Doc” Aguilar – who is the master at raising future leaders from scratch.  John Welch wouldn’t even think twice getting this guy in his team.

Crickette “Cookie” Abello – who is the best with details and organization.  The next president of the Philippines should actually get her as press secretary cum presidential chief of staff cum executive secretary.  She can run the nation when the president is out of the country.

Bernard “Mr. Ideation” Marquez – who is amazing at what he does in Pastoral Services that Dr. Phil will want to seek counseling from him.

Carlos “the deliberative consultant” – who often stands as the devil’s advocate (sorry for the term).  But he is good at what he does.  I wouldn’t be surprised if McKinsey & Co. pirates him but they won’t be able to afford him.  They don’t have Old Vine and Gelato.

LA “the small pox” Mumar – who is now on loan because he is on route to planting a new church in Makati.  He is always a welcome voice to the discussion because he is a ‘young veteran’.  While he is still young, he has had so much experience in ministry since he’s been serving since he was 12 or 13 years old.

Of course, our senior pastor – Joey “the grand master” Bonifacio who trailblazes for all of us.  Integrity. Character. Leadership. Strategic. These are some words that I know will describe him.  We are blessed to have him leading all of us.

Then there’s Robert, Rich, Junjin, Jonathan, Manny, Ramir, Klaris, Gabby, Onie, Ganns, Marge, Mich, Mark, Christian, Dan, …. (hope I didn’t miss anyone)

Team!  I know I’m not the smartest person.  I simply am the leader.