Every team has a certain level of expectation for both quality of product and behavior. Quality is only achieved through a set of standards. Standards have to be set for people to understand expectations. Some people see any standard as overbearing and unreasonable because of the inherent implication of accountability. However having a clearly communicated statement about
Lone wolves are at a distinct disadvantage to great teams in the area of growth and development. We all require others to point out areas of necessary improvement. This can be hurtful at times which explains the existence of the lone wolf despite the clear disadvantages. When I am immature, I must depend on the maturity of
The difference between great and ordinary teammates is how they receive feedback. I remember sitting in hours and hours of film study as both a football player and coach. The great players couldn’t wait to watch the film and the ordinary ones showed up because they wanted to avoid the extra laps at practice for missing film.
There are times that tough conversations are necessary between teammates. Teammates should always be both accepting of who someone is but honest enough to encourage them to be the best version of themself. This is the greatest benefit of a team and therefore the greatest responsibility of a teammate. The responsibility of being honest with a teammate
Political correctness has definitely carved its place into our culture. Positively, it helps us recognize our diversity and make adjustments in our interactions that are sensitive to the experience of others. Just like everything, PC is something that has a time an place. Anything taken too far can be unhealthy. Sensitivity is vital to making people feel
When we seek balance in our work life instead of blending it with our play life, we are able to avoid accountability. On one side, we can blame the need to overwork and our lack of connection on the workload and the importance of our work. This is unhealthy and people recognize this as workaholic behavior. On
Effectiveness can be measured in the ability to take ideas from the intellectual and theoretical realm to the practical reality that we are held accountable for. Every plan looks good on paper and every sentiment seems right until the rubber meets the road. The plan must be functional. Sentiments cannot limit the ability to move forward. If they
People say they crave clear direction but when the rubber meets the road, I find that many people resent solid definitions and decision making. This is because they can create clear pass or fail stakes that make some people uncomfortable. The cry for freedom can be a cover for the cry for anonymous mediocrity that avoids any
Those in need of the most creative control struggle with vision. They don’t want to commit to a way forward, especially if the way forward isn’t what they are familiar with. They struggle with a vision because it requires a commitment and demands accountability. This can be scary for those that have never been held to a
Ideally people would want to be trusted to do their job their way. This works out when people are committed to the same level of quality and share the same expectations as the rest of the team. Unfortunately, when we are left to evaluate ourselves, we don’t always see the opportunities to improve. We need another perspective