Dear Coach,
Do you have a tool or technique that will help ensure that teams work together effectively?
Best,
Seymour
Dear Seymour,
Here’s my favorite team-building technique. It’s an exercise in which each team member separately answers this question: Who works well with me?
Similar to the Star Profile concept where less is more, the answer is not a laundry list. Rather, it zeros in on core behaviors. What fundamentally distinguishes the people you want to work with from the people you want to avoid?
Each team member makes their short list and discussion is held. The goal is to lay a foundation for a long-term productive working relationship with mutual trust, respect and collaboration.
To illustrate, here’s my list:
Make and keep commitments
Proactive candor combined with civility
Problem-solving over naysaying
Value efficiency, especially regarding time
As I reflect on my nearly half century in the workplace world, these four traits have formed the bedrock of relationships I’ve cherished versus relationships I’ve lamented.
Regarding #1, If we’re on the same team and you want to aggravate the heck out of me, avoid committing to anything or make commitments and not keep them with, of course, the always ready excuse.
Regarding #2, As a former litigator, I can handle direct aggression – not that I welcome it. What I truly hate is passive aggression. Hence the concept of proactive candor combined with civility. If I step on your toes, tell me then. Don’t make me guess and don’t save up my missteps for the future. As for civility, I highly recommend the No-FEAR conversation.
Regarding #3, My favorite Winnie the Pooh character is Tigger. It’s not Eeyore. Problems always arise. The question is how you deal with them. Complain, blame, point the finger elsewhere, etc.? Or laser focus on what needs to happen to solve the problem and prevent its recurrence?
Regarding #4, Let’s not waste money, time, energy and resources. Efficiency matters. Moreover, if you consistently run good, crisp meetings, I’ll be your fan for life.
For executive coaches, organization leaders and anyone else who works on a team, I encourage you to add this exercise to your to do list. It’s a great way to create a foundation for what will prove to be a truly win–win relationship.
Best,
Jathan
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