Listen for the sucking sound of money going down the drain when lousy teams take on projects.
Stop wasting time on teams that waste time.
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Successful teams are a thing of beauty. But, when was the last time you worked on your team.
Team dynamics determine team potency.
Dangers:
Bad habits set-in apart from intervention.
7 dangers:
- Focus grows fuzzy.
- Energy declines.
- Tensions are tolerated.
- Self-protective behaviors take root.
- Dead weight is condoned.
- Average is accepted.
- Dominant members control.
The 13 Rules of engagement:
- Celebration: describe wins at every meeting.
- Transparency: declare yourself. Hidden agendas are unacceptable.
- Exploration: add to ideas.
- Participation: no bystanders.
- Honor: difference is strength not weakness.
- Respect: disagree without personal attack.
- Candor: point out what isn’t working.
- Accountability: deliver on commitments.
- Unity: understand and embrace team mission.
- Clarity: ask questions before drawing conclusions.
- Flexibility: be willing to change your mind.
- Results: who does what by when?
- Milestones: set them. Celebrate them.
Enhancing dynamics:
4 questions individuals can ask the team:
- What strengths do I bring to the team? (name three)
- When am I most useful to the team? (identify a situation or interaction)
- How could I better contribute to the team? (describe an observable behavior)
- What are your hopes for me in relation to the team? (meaningful contribution)
6 Fill-ins for teams:
- Our job is to ________.
- We’re successful when ________. (describe results or interactions)
- I’d like to try ________. (describe projects or team dynamics)
- Our team would be better if _________. (describe in behavioral terms)
- I’m uncomfortable discussing ________. (point out the elephant in the room)
- I’m proud when ________.
Application:
Choose three questions or fill-ins to begin your next meeting. Work on the team not just on projects.
Tip:
Spend more time on positives than negatives.
How can leaders enhance team dynamics?
Recommended resource: “The Secret of Teams,” by Mark Miller.