ARE YOU ON A REAL TEAM?

It is amazing that our collegiate experiences will assist us in our personal, professional, civic and community efforts. In April 1989, I was elected to serve the Student Body at Bethune-Cookman College as its 1989/1990 President. One of the first lessons in leadership I learnt, Is your TEAM - A REAL TEAM?

When I look back, I think about the various assignments, challenges and student leadership opportunities that have taught me some of the most valuable lessons. One of them is learning how to deal with difficult team members. Group assignments, tasks and projects are given so that one can learn how to co-ordinate with each other and work towards achieving a specific goal. However, when we encounter difficult, "back stabbing", team members, we are bound to encounter stressful, uncomfortable and unpleasant situations.

Just how do you avoid these type of situations?

1. Select the right team members

One must always be extremely careful when choosing your team members. As the TEAM Captain, Leader or Supervisor, You need to be a good judge of character and select people whom you feel will contribute to the TEAM success. This is NOT the opportunity just to select someone because they are a friend or they have to remind you that they are "REAL" Team players. Be extremely careful that you select individuals whom you are comfortable in working and that they are committed to the success of the TEAM.

As President, I quickly was able to identify the individuals who were on MY TEAM and the ones who were on ANOTHER TEAM. I remember saying that things would get better and allowed the situation to work itself out. It didn't and I learnt a powerful lesson. DEAL WITH THE SITUATION IMMEDIATELY.

2. Be a good planner

Know your Team Members and from the beginning give your assignments where you find the strengths. Do be afraid if the project is not working out to reassign the TEAM.

Also, set reasonable and realistic goals, objectives and deadlines. Make sure that each TEAM member is aware of the expectation that you have of them and they agree to them. Otherwise, you will find yourself as a frustrated TEAM leader.

3. Be Firm and Bold

When dealing with the difficult Team member, It is extremely important that you be firm and bold. If you don't, you will be walked on, lied on, taken advantage of and your Team will be destroy.

And for peace of mind, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO REMOVE MEMBERS FROM YOUR TEAM.

4. Be The Leader

It is your duty to remain professional at all times. Learn how to deal with the situation. Make sure that you do not allow the situation to have an affect on your health.

I will always remember as Student Body President, I had some stormy Cabinet meetings, there were time when I felt why am I going through this situation. I can truly say that because of those experiences, I am able to deal with some of the situations that I find myself having to deal with on the various Teams that I manage today.

5. Hold frank and honest discussions

It is important that you hold frank and honest discussions with your team members. If a member is creating trouble, DO NOT simply avoid the situation, Confront, Manage It and if you need to, RELEASE IT.

My Student Body experience taught me that there will be many individuals in your boat - Some will be rowing with you and some will be secretly drilling holes in your boat.

If you are an observant leader, you will be able to know your TEAM. Sometimes, Leaders take a little longer, but rest assured, YOU WILL GET TO THE POINT WHERE YOU KNOW YOUR TEAM. Just be prepare to do what is right!!!!!!