Team Challenges: Different Strokes for Different Folks

Teams are made up of individual people and those people can vary in more ways than you can imagine. This is actually a benefit but it takes effort to discover how individual differences can be a team's greatest strength. This discovery process is also important to help team members understand where they have common ground. Both sides of the coin need to be examined because both sides have value.

Susie may like an office that is like a meat locker and she does her best work in the early morning hours. Karen may need a parka and scarf just to stay sane and she takes more frequent breaks to stay energized. Michael may enjoy listening to music at his desk and doesn’t feel comfortable wearing headphones but he can stay in the zone for hours on end. Lisa may enjoy crunching ice because it soothes her nerves and she loves the rush of the last minute. Tom may need to be in a place where there are no visual or audible distractions because he is so detail oriented. Penny may need to chat with others while she works because thinking out loud keeps her engaged.

If you have ever tried to satisfy the unique needs of every member of a team, you know it is a near impossible challenge. As a leader, it is especially frustrating when these competing needs are jeopardizing the effectiveness of the team. If you ignore the needs of team members, you do so at your own peril. The same goes for those who give in to every whim of every team member. Either route is a quick way to destroy morale and as a leader you will be seen as clueless or spineless.

We can often conflate our wants with our needs. It is human nature and we have been doing it since birth. In a work environment, especially a team environment, it is critical to separate needs from wants. As a leader, you may need to draw this information out of your team members. Not everyone will be vocal about what is making them uncomfortable. Ask each member to make a list of their must haves or ask them to describe their ideal work environment that helps them to be at their best and do their best work. Often this will result in the realization that team members are more alike than they are different. The key is getting them to realize it so they can work together toward creating an environment that everyone can enjoy and appreciate.

I believe it is the team’s responsibility to cultivate and foster a healthy shared environment that allows every team member to be productive and comfortable. However, it is the leader’s responsibility to give the team the opportunity and the means to have open discussions about their needs and wants. It is also important to remember this is not a once and done event. The needs and wants of employees will change often. The reasons will vary such as workloads, staff levels, personal issues, and even office politics. The more often a leader takes the pulse of the team, the more they will be in tune with changes. The more in tune a leader is with individual team members the better they can predict and manage the ebbs and flows of the team. A leader needs the team members to communicate openly, honestly, and often. In exchange, the team needs a leader who is willing to examine both sides of the coin and use that knowledge for the benefit of the team.

No matter how many folks are on your team, expect and accept that their needs and wants will vary and will not remain static. Encourage your team members to have a conversation about the team dynamics and the work environment, from their perspective. Remember you are not going to please everyone all the time. That should not be a leader’s goal. Instead focus on creating an open dialogue that promotes curiosity, understanding, and a willingness to be a productive team. As a leader, you need them more than they need you.

How are the different wants and needs of individuals on your team helping or hurting your team's harmony and success? I hope you will share your experiences in the comments. When we learn together we grow together.