Teamwork.
Working in teams has certainly been around a lot longer than me. I am for the record a huge believer in “team work”, just not necessarily, “teams” for the sake of creating them. Sure a team can foster creativity, productiveness, camaraderie and all the fun things associated. However the flip side can and often does, prove the exact opposite. If so, why are our business leaders so quick to assume that teams are the best way to get the job done.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ljw7kCwT4I]
Creating a team is not just throwing bodies into a unit, division or business. The word team relates to trust, relations and experience designed to create results. Teams are a safe house and “can” produce great results however there is a lot of boxes to tick to ensure we are working together and on the same page. If we don’t create an unparalleled commitment to a common goal, surely the impact of the team can only be under performance.
A team must have a compelling direction to perform, and to perform well have consistency and trust (which is built over time) to create a perfect platform for teamwork. As we know, thousands of successful individuals thrown together does not make a team, this comes from great leadership and requires courage and authority.
Teams do work and they work often, but only with a formula that creates a platform that has the team working from the same song sheet with compelling, challenging but attainable (just) goals in mind.
How do we build an effective team:
1. Real People, Real Goals: know your team mates and know them well (Find your Maverick… every team needs someone who questions the motive)
2. Create a compelling reason to exist: without a clear direction, you run the risk of your team mates have running there own agenda
3. Create a great structure: Teams need to have clearly designed objectives, the right mix of talent, and clear desired outcomes
4. Create a support network: The business must support the teams expectations and the culture within the business must facilitate teamwork
5. Coach: No team ever became great without a great leader of coach. business teams need coaching too, focus on team and group coaching… its not about the individual! Its about the group.
The most important rule to creating a great team is understanding the rules. The rules of business, the culture within it and know and being aware of the boundaries. These boundaries will come to be the most important aspect of your team. Know them, don’t step outside of them ever. A great team never cuts corners. They play powerfully within them and that’s what makes them great The power and performance they exude with in the limitations of governance. Creating great results regardless.
I read a great quote by David Gillespie (http://davidgillespie.wordpress.com) in relation to output… “if we create more value than we capture, you will find it returned to you in spades”. Imagine the power of this quote in a team environment.
Go out there and create something amazing and when you do… please tell me about it so I can spread the word.
In leaving… enjoy this amazing advert by Adidas on YouTube
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