A compilation of great individuals does not automatically create a great team. It takes wisdom and effort to mold the group into an organism in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Here are some suggestions on how to do that with your team...
1. Spend TIME as a team, both on the job and socially.
If your team is to function as a team and not just a group of individuals you need to spend time together. EMails and conference calls may be adequate to handle your tactical issues at work but for a spirit of a corps to develop you need face to face time. A regularly planned staff retreat will help meet this need. (I try to take my team away or 2 days every quarter or so for some "non-work" days. (ranch days, beach retreats, lake days or just a day of fun around town goes a long way) Spend time socially together, lunches, travel as a team. Don't bring someone on your team you wouldn't enjoy hanging out with over lunch!2. Spend time with INDIVIDUAL team members.
Pursue developing a personal relationship with each of your team members. Show genuine concern for their personal well-being and not just how they function organizationally. The Gallup organization found that no single factor more clearly predicts the productivity of a team-member than his relationship with his direct supervisor. They found people are most productive when they feel their supervisor cares for them, praises then regularly, and encourages their own growth. Get to know the people on your team!3. Encourage real COMMUNICATION and honest dialogue among team members.
Real communication occurs in a group where everyone is encouraged and allowed to give their unfiltered input on a particular issue. It is based on the truth that any idea or thought will be improved up on when submitted to the wisdom of others. Create an environment among your team that is like a great movie - it contains conflict! Create an environment where there is freedom to disagree and discuss controversial issues. The best team look like battlegrounds behind closed doors and unite outside closed doors. 4. Encourage EXCHANGE
It's been said that, "we can learn a lot about a person by observing his library and his friends." We are all influenced by others. Encourage your team to "rub off on each other." Goof people get better when they're around other good people, so the time your team spends together will enhance each person.5. Make sure your team is benefiting from SYNERGY.
If one ox can pull a 4,500lb load, how much can two oxen yoked together pull? 9000 lbs? No, because of the synergy that is developed through the two pulling together they are able to tow 12, 000 lbs! That's the power of synergy! Synergy is the energy that is generated through the working together of various parts of processes. Stephen Covey describes compromise as 1 +1 = 1.5 and synergy as 1+1 = 3. A team taps into the power of synergy.
What are you doing to intentionally develop your team?
What team are you a part of? How are your contributing to the team's growth?
adapted from Next Worldwide: Catalyst Leadership Experience
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