Muhammad (PBUH) is an excellent example of leadership in the world. In any path of life, we can seek guidance from the Prophet’s way and follow his commands to succeed in life. He has always been the personification of morality, justice, honesty and there is no comparison to him in dealing with others. He is the perfect leader and a team player. He was alone when he started the journey of prophet hood. Later, He gathered the people from Mecca and built a team of individuals with stark qualities mainly including Hazrat Ali (RA), Hazrat Usman (RA), Hazrat Abubakar (RA) and Hazrat Umer (RA). These are few gems of his team who did wonders in the world and transformed the world into a better place.
From a religious or even a secular point of view, teams are very important to achieve organizational objectives and with this thought we can further dwell into team dynamics that are unconscious and psychological forces to influence team’s behaviors and performances. In order to understand the dynamics of any team it is very crucial to know ones team personally and understand their needs. In this article, we will highlight the key events from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)’s life with examples in order to understand team dynamics and to maintain it in the perfect order.
First of all, there should be clear roles and responsibilities assigned to the team so that everyone should be clear on what he or she is expected to do. These responsibilities should be carried out in a perfect manner to ensure success. This did not happen during Ghuzwa-e-Uhd when the Prophet (PBUH) clearly asked the archers to hold their position till the war ends. Archers unintentionally disobeyed the orders and the outcome was unfortunate. Many a Muslim lost lives and sacrificed a battle almost won.
Secondly, tackle problems with good feedback. It is very important for the team manager or the leader to listen to each and every member of the team, their personal or professional problems. Find them the solutions and give them proper feedback on their duties. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was an empathetic listener and Allah says in
Quran on his team’s performance that: Allah is well-pleased with them as they are well- pleased with Him. He has prepared for them gardens under which rivers flow (paradise), to dwell therein forever.” (Quran 9:100)
Third important thing is to break down barriers and pay more attention to communication. This is by far the most important thing we see in our daily lives that people make barriers due to lack of communication. These barriers will lead the teams to massive destruction. In today’s multicultural and multilingual work-force, it is very important to understand the power of communication and breaking the barriers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) gave us the teachings and rulings for every mankind and for every part of the business. He delivered the orders of Allah in the most favourable fashion and transferred the knowledge of right and wrong applicable to every generation.
Winning over enemies is one of the most important jobs of a leader which is a sure shot way to inspire the team members. After the battle of Badar, he made sure that the prisoners of war should get the best of treatment. Among them was Suhayl-bin-‘Amr who was a fiery speaker and was denouncing the Prophet (PBUH). Umar may Allah be pleased with him one of the Prophet’s closest team member, suggested that two of his lower teeth be pulled out so that he might not be so vile in his speeches. The Prophet (PBUH) replied: “Were I to do this, Allah would disfigure me on the Day of Judgement, despite the fact that I am His messenger.” And the Prophet himself said, “Indeed, I am sent as a mercy.\” (Muslim)
These are only a few examples of the greatest leader leading the greatest team. We can conclude that, in order to achieve a target or a goal one must find the right team with the right qualities. It is of utmost importance to build strong communication among the team members, understand the conflicts and try to resolve them on early stages. Roles should be assigned in the start and responsibilities should be delegated so that there will be accountability. Performance should be gauge on fair metrics and rewards should be of mutual benefits. Definitions of team members roles while nurturing them and helping them become leaders is another hallmark of high performing team and the lives of the Sahaba coming after the Prophet have examples upon examples of successful team management.
