Whatever your situation you are going to be working with other people – employees, colleagues, suppliers or business partners. Even two people form a team: tennis doubles anyone? So, what do you bring to the team? You will find a straightforward system distilling better team player skills to the fundamentals giving you – and your colleagues – the tools for success. And it is free…
First, what is a team? Teams are not the same as other groups; they need to be planned, built and maintained. A number of people who happen to work together in the same place may not operate as a team; and may not need to. A team has a distinct characteristic – it is a group working together to achieve a common purpose and may be composed of people drawn from different functions, departments or disciplines. Increasingly, teams are groups that are set up for a specific project, are empowered to steer and develop the work they do, and are responsible for their achievements.
But I’m the ‘boss’ Even so, your role is as a member of the team – not just the boss. Clarify that everyone in the team has an important role – and yours happens to be the team leader. Naturally enough, you’ll act as a role model and maintain effective communication with all members, especially listening. It may be of benefit for roles to remain fluid, adding to the flexibility of working relationships, without team members losing the focus of their individual strengths or objectives. An effective leader may decide to cede project leadership – albeit temporarily – to another, when specific skills are required.
So, what do I bring to the team? That is where your evaluation of what skill-set you bring to a team and is so valuable. And if you evaluate everyone else and understand their preferred role contribution, you will be able to get the best out of each ‘player’ and develop a high performance team.
Get your tool kit today – it is packed with ideas to help you and your team deliver results.