Great Teams: unlocking the freedom to choose and grow

Viktor Frankl, a renowned Austrian psychiatrist, neurologist, and Holocaust survivor, is widely recognized for his profound insights into human nature and his creation of the therapeutic approach known as logotherapy. Frankl's teachings, rooted in his personal experiences and observations, offer invaluable lessons for leaders across various domains, particularly in the art of cultivating Great Teams.??And if we sprinkle in a bit of Simon Sinek’s thinking on how to play an Infinite Game, we just might establish some fundamental ingredients for a teamwork recipe that is divine.

Finding Meaning in Purpose

At the heart of Frankl's philosophy is the idea that individuals can find meaning and purpose even in the most challenging circumstances. In the context of leading great teams, this principle emphasizes the importance of instilling a clear sense of purpose within the team members. Leaders who articulate and emphasize the broader mission and vision of the team help teammates connect with their work on a deeper level. When individuals perceive their tasks as meaningful and aligned with their personal values, they are more likely to remain engaged, motivated, and committed.??Frankl's emphasis on finding meaning in one’s activities aligns remarkably with Simon Sinek's advocacy for leaders to prioritize a just cause – a purpose that transcends mere competition – and an ethos that goes beyond just winning. In Frankl's words, "For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself." These words of wisdom intertwine with Sinek's call for leaders to inspire and unite their teams under a just cause, anchoring individual contributions to a grander infinite purpose.

Putting it in practice:

Great team leaders effectively communicate the larger purpose of their team's endeavors. By linking the team's goals to a higher purpose,??leaders inspire teammates to overcome obstacles and setbacks, fostering a sense of unity and shared determination. For example, an infrastructure industry leader might frame the development of their roads and bridges projects as an opportunity to positively impact the quality of people's lives through solutions that enhance an individual’s mobility.??She would then seize every opportunity to intentionally ladder up from their individual goals associated with building a floating bridge across a river that connects townships to demonstrate the linkage to the broader purpose of enhancing quality of life.

Cultivating Resilience

Frankl's harrowing experiences within Nazi concentration camps illuminated the significance of resilience when confronted with adversity. He noticed that individuals anchored in meaning and purpose better endured extreme challenges. This revelation holds particular relevance for leaders endeavoring to guide exceptional teams, especially in today's dynamic and unpredictable business milieu.

As Viktor Frankl asserted, "Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances." This echos Simon Sinek's notion that leadership, rooted in an infinite mindset, revolves around seizing control over our attitude, effort, and choices. Frankl's assertion that "Man's main concern is not to gain pleasure or to avoid pain but rather to see a meaning in his life" underscores the importance of resilience as a navigation tool through difficulties. Sinek complements this by suggesting an infinite mindset empowers teams to perceive setbacks as growth opportunities in the context of their purpose-driven journey.

These teachings inform leaders to nurture resilience within their teams. In the words of Viktor Frankl, "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.”??As leaders, we may not control the situation but we can control our ability to respond to it.??

Putting it in practice:

When teams have had a setback or are in a spiral of unhealthy conflict, we can simply follow these steps:?

1. Call it out, make it known broadly, and make space to allow teammates to articulate how they feel.??
2. Acknowledge and apologize (if appropriate) for your role in the effort.??
3. Give grace to others for their role in the effort
4. Remind the team of the greater purpose of their team's endeavors.?
5. And then finally, ask for their recommitment to the team's goals and reconnect the team to a shared sense of unity and determination

Cultivating an environment that fosters open communication, empathy, and psychological safety assists team members in feeling supported amid trying times. Viewing challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable hurdles cultivates collective resilience.

Promoting a Collaborative spirit

Frankl's logotherapy emphasizes interpersonal relationships and human connections as pivotal to finding meaning. This principle resonates powerfully in the domain of leading exceptional teams, where collaboration and effective communication stand as cornerstones for success. Analogous to the emotional support and camaraderie Frankl encountered among fellow prisoners, exceptional teams flourish when members work cohesively, bolstering one another.

Frankl's assertion that "Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality" echoes Sinek's call for leaders to foster a trusting environment. Sinek's infinite mindset expands this, accentuating that in the infinite game, players aren't adversaries but comrades in a collective journey.???Recognizing and leveraging each team member's strengths facilitates a dynamic interplay that yields innovative solutions and heightened performance.

Putting it in practice:

Leaders, adept at intertwining Frankl and Sinek's wisdom, cultivate an environment where team members recognize their roles as integral components of a meaningful collective expedition.??The four points below help us enact collaborative habits:

• Strive to be the best Example: Leaders set the tone for the team's behavior and attitudes. Be willing to work alongside your teammates of various rank and file. When your team sees you actively relinquishing your status, downplaying hierarchies and collaborating across organizational boundaries, they are more likely to follow suit.
• Create a reliable rhythm: Establish regular real time and asynchronous communication channels, such as team meetings, persistent chats, digital platforms for posting stories and learning, and quick tempo check-ins. Ensure that every team member has an opportunity to contribute. Acknowledge and reward individuals across these channels who are sharing with others, offering their thoughts, and engaging in respectful debate.
• Highlight the unique and additive skills of teammates: in most cases, individuals don’t know what specific experiences, strengths, or styles their teammates possess.??As a leader, it is our responsibility to find ways to systematically expose these traits across the team and amplify their utility in front of other teammates.
• Promote Cross-organizational Collaboration: intentionally assign tasks that require different expertise, and facilitate opportunities for teammates to learn from each other. Recognize and celebrate successful cross-functional collaborations to reinforce their value.

Fusing philosophies to produce Great Teams

Frankl's philosophy, augmented by Sinek's perspectives on the infinite mindset, creates a solid starting point for a recipe of enduring teamwork, particularly when guiding great teams towards purpose, resilience, and lasting success…outlining key ingredients for leaders to create environments that stimulate, elevate, and steer their teams through the intricate landscape of modern work, enabling them to attain excellence and leave an enduring, positive imprint.

As Frankl eloquently stated, "Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

To all the leaders out there, let’s cook up a recipe that leaves a mark We can all be proud of.

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