Teamwork is a critical differentiator
Jim Adkins
Manufacturing & Procurement Talent & Operations Strategist, Communicator, Consultant, Executive Leadership Coach, Certified 6 Sigma & LEAN Black Belt, USAF veteran, author, Predictive Index, Proactive Transformation+FUN!
Great teamwork is hard, especially in the high-paced political climate of corporate America, and teamwork deteriorates if team dysfunctions are allowed to flourish.
? Create a "team scorecard" of collective goals. Think back to 5th grade basketball... are your goals as clear and actionable as a basketball scoreboard? Collective goals can't just be pinned on the wall – they must truly come above everything else (individual or departmental achievement) and drive decisions and behavior. Focus intensely on the results.
? Constantly "mine" for tensions and unresolved issues. Seek out and encourage healthy conflicts at meetings – it's a necessary part of being an effective team.
? Make sure issues don't linger around. Force deadlines for decisions and make sure those decisions are made and communicated with input and ultimately full commitment across the team. Collectively deciding on messaging after meetings in order to leave no room for interpretation or spinning.
? Make sure action plans, milestones, and responsibilities are clearly defined so everyone knows who is carrying out what. Encourage team members to hold each other accountable.
? Invest in getting "naked" with your team. Vulnerability-building exercises and personality profiles can help increase trust rapidly. It is amazing how little some team members know about one another, and how just a small amount of information begins to break down barriers.
? Finally, set clear expectations - the article below talks to some of the key steps to make that happen in a productive manner.
An examples of a quote from a client that realizes how important Teamwork and Engagement is:
A few months ago a critical partner in a company I was coaching said, "If you could get all the people in an organization rowing in the same direction, you could dominate any industry, in any market, against any competition, at any time."
https://blog.ignitespot.com/the-importance-of-setting-clear-expectations-for-your-team