A teammate that has a hard time celebrating anything may in fact have a negative outlook that needs to be further assessed and eventually addressed. However, if a person is able to celebrate certain things but expresses concerns about others, they may just be honest and practical. Their challenge to an idea may be a valuable contribution
No one likes a teammate that is a downer. However, before I label a teammate as negative, I have to be sure that they aren’t just being honest. Consider the following: 1) What do they celebrate? 2) Are they in the correct setting? 3) Do they have another outlet for concerns? Labels are easy to give and
There is a common misconception about narcissism. Use of the pronoun “I” is often looked down upon as a sign of someone who is self-absorbed. It is true that in extreme circumstances a narcissist will only talk about themselves. However, a teammate using the word “I” more often may just be becoming more comfortable with the team.
Great teams have great chemistry. They understand each other without much discussion. They connect with little effort. They still conflict, but they resolve much faster. This frees them up to improve as a cohesive unit with common goals. When teams lack chemistry, they spend too much energy and time on gaining unity. Energy, time and attention are
Self-interest needs to diminish anytime a person joins a team. Unity is only protected when the team agenda is the only agenda. Unity requires a sacrifice of personal interest. The benefit of teamwork is that everyone’s interests are covered if everyone is watching out for others. This is true in any team situation. A husband cares for
Unity is something every team must strive for. There is something about the joy found in being around a group of people who are like-minded and willing to make sure that they share in the work load. It’s more than the fact that many hands make light work. There is a feeling of affirmation when others in
Great teams have a culture that craves feedback. They look forward to shining a light on everything so that they can get better. Teams that do not enjoy a culture of feedback live in a shadow of speculation that allows for a less accurate but comfortable view of reality. It takes a leader to recognize when to
Time is the great equalizer. Everyone everywhere has the same amount of time to work with. Nothing exposes the discipline of a team like its management of time. Great teams make the most of their time while other teams complain about not having enough minutes in a day. Deadlines are tough because they are a pass or
Overtraining is a term that describes someone who has exercised too much. When we over train we don’t allow our bodies to recover and our work sees diminishing returns. Our effort begins to work against us and we become susceptible to illness and fatigue. Teams can overtrain as well. There is such a thing as working too
Teams always have a choice in whom they listen to. Teams that are secure in their identity, mission, purpose and values listen to those that understand their identity, mission, and values. Teams that struggle in those areas will listen to just about anyone in search of validation. It’s always good to be open to feedback. It’s great