How to Get Things Done with a Team Effort

You take your job seriously. You possess a clear vision of what would make things work better. Perhaps you already hold a supervisory managerial, or executive position. Or, maybe your goal involves moving up in the company. But no matter your title, your plans need the cooperation of your colleagues for implementation.

No matter how great our ideas, we need to remember that others have opinions and visions as well. Human nature dictates that we resent those who ignore or dismiss us.

Why our coworkers are not following our direction:

 Whether dealing with peers or subordinates, you need to understand what kinds of things make progress come to a screeching halt. Awareness and empathy represent essential components of the factors below:

• Frustration makes up one of the most fundamental reasons your colleagues may not all get into line to execute your plan. No one wants to feel like cattle blindly following a path. People need to understand the instruction at least and hopefully feel actively involved.
•  Appreciation represents a key component in getting things done in both our professional and personal lives. Some of the reasons we need appreciation include:

 o We need to feel valued. Sometimes demonstrating your appreciation requires nothing more than a nod or approving gesture. Of course, a simple thank you also goes a long way. Children need acknowledgment to build their self-efficacy, while adults build on their self-worth by knowing they matter. 

o As human beings, we want to know others recognize us without judgment or prejudice. Just because someone just started six months ago or came from a different generation doesn't mean they don't have valuable ideas.

o And, of course, as human beings, beyond seeking approval, we also want others to like us.

o Showing and receiving appreciation connects us as humans and gives our projects and tasks a more profound sense of meaning.

When we feel appreciated, we should also acknowledge how it makes us feel both to the person demonstrating appreciation and to ourselves.

• Particularly if you hold a leadership position, you should consider how proposed changes may impact those in the trenches. For instance, those taking incoming calls may experience more hostility or complaints from clients or notice adverse changes in commissions or bonuses.

 How to make progress with your plans and ideas:

 It seems too many meetings consist of time acknowledging and complaining about problems while rehashing possible solutions without deciding on or following through with a plan of action. When presenting your idea in your next meeting, consider the following:

• Take the time to consider how you come across to others. Demonstrating confidence and leadership qualities may work in your favor, but nobody likes a control freak. Do an honest internal assessment and see if you possess any of the following characteristics which may indicate issues with control:

 o You don't present yourself as a team player and expect the policy changes and logistical terms.

o You believe that as long as people follow your lead, things will get done,

o You spend substantial amounts of time getting your way.

o You seek perfection, or at the very least, go out of your way to prevent problems.

o You experience difficulty maintaining both professional and personal relationships.

o You don't believe in delegating. You exude the motto, "If you want something done right, do it yourself!"

o You lack the capability to forgive and come down hard on those who make mistakes.

• Do your research. Nobody knows everything. Even if though you may feel you understand the policies and procedures pretty well, try experiencing them first-hand before introducing changes or ideas. Sit with someone in the relevant position to see what needs to change or, if making a change represents a viable option.
• Those in management roles should encourage discussion and ideas from others. Helping others advance represents one of the signs of a good manager. Make sure options exist which keep ideas confidential, such as a suggestion box. Managers and supervisors with an open door policy earn more respect as well.

Communication represents an important overall theme for meaningful results. Of course, listening represents one of the essential components of total communication.

Why listening is so important:                                                                        

Many people find listening skills challenging. Often, when the other person talks, we hear Charlie Brown's teacher as we compose in our heads what we will say next in response. Ironically, our reply doesn't always make sense, since we weren't really listening!

Several reasons exist as to why listening represents a crucial part of communicating:

•  Listening helps us build mutual trust and respect. We need both these components to resolve conflict.
• During the time we listen, we demonstrate non-verbal communication. Eye contact and body language should make the other person feel comfortable and valued. However, it may confirm that we don't care to hear their idea or contribution.
• You owe it to yourself to listen if you want to truly understand all aspects of the situation and reduce the chance of misunderstanding.
• Allowing other people to communicate and demonstrating your willingness to listen should reduce anger and resentment.

 Having an agenda for meetings or communications:

 Opening up the lines of communication doesn't mean a free for all of the various people spouting their ideas and grievances. Even brainstorming sessions need some structure. To achieve meaningful accomplishments, meetings with an agenda need to take place. Of course, a reasonable time for questions and discussion represent a crucial part of most meetings. If you have the authority to set the agenda and schedule the sessions, you already enjoy that advantage.

If you don't hold a leadership position, meeting structure and plans may represent something you should discuss with your supervisor at a one-on-one or private meeting.

Of course, most companies and businesses don't constitute democracies. Those who possess higher titles do so mostly from hard work and notable accomplishments. But, even if you get the last word, letting others know you heard them and considered their ideas might make a huge difference in morale and perception. The possibility exists that together, you may come up with the perfect plan, and you may even learn something!

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