Do You Speak Your Team’s Dialect?

by Del Fehsenfeld

Have you ever witnessed a tense moment in your ministry staff meeting? Picture this: It’s 10:15 at the Monday Morning Staff Meeting, and a teammate hesitantly shares, “I’m not sure this project can be done by this deadline.” Another teammate, eager to push forward, responds sharply, “If you’re not on board, just say it—I’ll handle it myself!” The first teammate bristles, interpreting the retort as a personal attack, assuming their concern is being dismissed. Meanwhile, the second sees the hesitation as a lack of drive or competence. What began as a mutual concern for shared ministry goals spirals into tension, and if unchecked, could lead to a relational breach.

The Hidden Cost of Miscommunication

These communication misfires happen daily on ministry teams, and their impact is profound. Tragically, they often compound as teammates grow more mistrustful, with resentments building over time. This can result in team dysfunctions—avoidance in meetings, the formation of staff factions, or even open hostility. Such breakdowns not only hinder progress but also dim the light of the gospel we’re called to share. The root cause? According to research on relationship dynamics, a staggering 80% of team conflicts stem not from real disagreements, but from negative and often inaccurate assumptions about each other.

The Challenge of Differing Communication Styles

Why do these misinterpretations occur so frequently? Each of us speaks and listens through the lens of our unique Motivational Value System (MVS), a filter shaped by our core motivations. These systems dictate not just what we say but how we interpret others’ words, creating a complex tapestry of communication styles within any team. Left unrecognized, these differences can widen gaps rather than build bridges. The good news is, there is a way forward: learning to recognize our own MVS—and understanding those of our teammates—can lead to greater clarity and stronger team relationships.

Unveiling Motivational Value Systems with SDI 2.0

The Strength Deployment Inventory 2.0 relationship assessment offers a transformative tool for ministry teams. It defines each team member’s MVS and assigns color-coded labels for easy recognition:

• Blue (People)—seeks connection and stability, making individuals cautious yet deeply supportive. They prioritize relationships and harmony, often pausing to ensure everyone is included.

• Red (Performance)—thrives on independence and action, driving quick resolutions with a bold, decisive spirit. They value autonomy and are motivated by the freedom to lead.

• Green (Process)—focuses on meaning and excellence, crafting thoughtful strategies with a commitment to quality. They are inspired by a sense of higher purpose and precision.

• Hub (Perspective)—balances all three passions (people, performance, process), acting as a mediator to unify diverse perspectives. They excel at fostering collaboration and consensus.

These motivations, deeply rooted in the passions of the soul, shape how we communicate; and, if not addressed with intentionality, they can easily lead to misunderstandings

The Solution: Learning to Translate

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in learning to “translate” your team’s dialects. By decoding the motivations behind the words, you can respond with empathy and alignment. Consider these examples:

• Blue: When they say, “I’m not sure this can be done,” they’re often expressing hesitation while not wanting to offend others by speaking directly—translated as, “I don’t want to do this” or “I am not doing this.” Offering reassurance will help get to their real concern.

• Red: “I don’t care what, this has to be done by next Tuesday” reflects urgency—translated as, “I trust you to get it done. You can do it.” Channeling their enthusiasm to solve problems will activate them.

• Green: When they state, “There is no other way to do this,” it’s about precision—translated as, “This is the best way to do this.” Validating their expertise and seeking their input will leverage their contribution.

• Hub: “We’re not doing anything until everyone agrees” seeks consensus—translated as, “We need to keep working on this, as we can get more agreement.” Facilitating inclusive dialogue taps into their collaborative strength.

This translation process turns potential conflicts into opportunities for growth and aligns the team around their shared ministry mission.

Conclusion: Embrace Multiple Dialects for Kingdom Impact Through TeamLife

At Consentia Group, the opportunity to learn more than one dialect is a gift we embrace. By mastering the languages of your teammates—offering support to Blue, granting freedom to Red, honoring Green’s purpose, and facilitating Hub’s unity—you can enhance communication, strengthen relationships, and boost team effectiveness.

Moreover, since these core motivations echo the passions of the soul—acceptance, significance, and security—which are how God designed us to seek and receive love, learning about them together deepens our understanding of the gospel and God’s transformative grace. Start translating today with Consentia Group’s TeamLife workshop, and watch your ministry team thrive, united in purpose and empowered to share His love more effectively.

Ready for your next step?

If you’re ready to strengthen your team’s relationships and communication, we’d love to help. TeamLife is an affordable, accessible team training solution—offered virtually or in person—that fits easily into your existing staff rhythms. Reach out to learn how Consentia Group can equip your ministry team with practical, gospel-centered tools for lasting impact.

Request Info on TeamLife