Who’s On Your Team?
As I reflect over the first two months of this year, I was struck by the number of leaders and teams I had the privilege of working with.
I have the privilege of walking alongside these folks and help them push past their comfort zones to do the hard work of becoming a team. Becoming an authentic team is not easy. Especially, when you consider all of the different components that have to come together.
Defining a Team
The word “team” has become one of the most overused, watered-down, and misunderstood words in corporate America, sports, and institutions. Nowadays, it seems like anytime we put two or more people in a room, on a zoom call, or on a basketball court, we call it a team. IT’S NOT!
How often have you seen an extraordinarily talented group of athletes lose because they couldn’t play nice together in the sandbox.
By the same thought, how many times have you seen a team of good players work together and win. The 1980’s men’s Olympic hockey team was one of those teams. They defeated the Russians and were the inspiration for the 2004 movie entitled, Miracle, starring Kurt Russell.
Ironically, for some leaders, they think they need a miracle for everyone on their team to work well together.
Being an Authentic Team
Great teams don’t just happen, they evolve. One of the reasons it is so challenging is because you’re weaving together individuals with differing wants, needs, and personalities. That said, if you can focus on these 5 requirements, it might help you to build a more authentic team.
- The Courage to speak your truth to each other regardless of how uncomfortable it might be.
- Holding each other Accountable.
- A deep seated Commitment to the process (goal, objective, etc.).
- Acknowledging the Strengths of each member and allowing each person to show up and contribute without of fear of embarrassment or retribution (psychological safety).
- The willingness to put aside individual egos and agenda’s to Focus on the overall goal.
As I continued reflecting back over the course of the last few months, I realized that even though I am an individual entrepreneur, I have an incredible team in place to support me. They hold me accountable to do all that I can to become an even better author, speaker, coach, and human being.
At times, it is difficult to hear their feedback, but I trust them explicitly
So What About You?
Having a great team to hold up a mirror for you is critical to your success in every aspect of your life. So what about you?
Below are a list of five questions to help you get clarity on who’s got your back:
- Who are the people you trust to speak the truth to you in your business/personal life? Even when it’s hard?
- Who holds you accountable?
- Who acknowledges your strengths and calls you to play bigger and nudges you out of your comfort zones?
- Are you committed to the process of becoming the best leader, team player, salesperson, parent, partner you can be?
- Do you let your pride, ego, or judgment get in the way of taking in feedback or allowing yourself to be held accountable?
Someone once said it takes a village. Really?
My thoughts…if the people in the village aren’t an authentic team…it REALLY doesn’t matter!
So who’s your team?
