The Ringelmann effect is the tendency for individual members of a group to become increasingly less productive and less effective as the size of their group increases. You can quote Wikipedia for that definition.
This is what that looks like in today’s world: You join a video conference call. You’re screen looks like the intro credits for the Brady Bunch. Then, as soon as the meeting started, you’re distracted by something else on your computer and now you’re only pretending to listen, but you’re actually checking your inbox or shopping on Amazon. When the virtual meeting ends, you’re so tired and spent that you’ve lost your ability to see how you matter.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a church leader, or a business leader. The Ringelmann effect takes its toll on every single person who doesn’t see the value they are adding. Then there is a horrible side effect– disillusionment with the mission and a loss of productivity. Simply put: it’s a loss of motivation.
32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Mark 13:32-37 ESV
In this passage, Jesus is really addressing how people can be ready for the end times, but that is exactly why this passage is so valuable for it’s leadership perspective. We will undoubtedly manage or lead people and organizations at critical moments if we’re not already doing so. Below are three ways Jesus encourages us to be effective when it is easier to sink into the background from Mark 13.
There is something coming your way
Jesus says in verse 33, “Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.” Jesus is clearly saying to all of us who are feeling the effects observed by Ringelmann that we need to be on the lookout for something coming our way. The time will come when you will be accountable. Whether that is accountable to the success of a business unit or a small group, or in heaven, I do not know. What I do know is that when the crisis comes you will need to be awake for it. Just because you don’t seem to be doing things that look like they matter now, doesn’t mean that those things won’t matter later.
Yes, we’re in the middle of a viral health crisis, but when the people you work with or are in relationships with are impacted, you’ll face another crisis. You need to be awake for that crisis and respond appropriately.
You have a specific job
In verse 34 Jesus says he puts his “servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.” Each of us has a specific job. There is a lot to unpack here, but the bottomline is this: you have something you are good at or enjoy doing with people or for people. Do it virtually at these meetings because that is why you are in them. You have a purpose and were therefore invited to the meeting– to add some value.
Just as the servants in Jesus’ example had their unique work, so do we. We have unique work that only we can attend to. Meaning that you need to use all the skills and talents you have to interpret what people are saying on the screen and translate that into something tangible that becomes your output.
Pay attention
Jesus says in verse 37, “And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
Pay attention to the people you are in the virutal meeting with. Ask questions, debate, recap what others have said. Have an active conversation so you understand the context and can speak into the areas others in the meeting are discussing.
When you are paying attention, you will see what is coming your way. Trends and movements will become more apparent. Then and only then will your task or job become something you can execute on and add value with. After all, you are working with or leading others with a goal in mind. We are in the roles and positions and in relationships with others precisely because we add value toward a goal. Do not forget the mission or the value you bring to these virtual times. Only you can be you and do the work God has given you. Be faithful in it by staying awake.
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