Married to Teamwork
What would happen if you did not prioritize enhancing your own team leadership? What impact would it have? I would boldly say that lack of intentionality in leadership development will significantly impair your team and organization. Conversely, investing in your own team knowledge and skillset yields expansive and lucrative results.
Teams are more effective than solo performances. Partnerships produce greater productivity. One proverb says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). Multiple minds and hands that work together achieve more.
A second advantage is that teams have greater insight. No one has a corner market on wisdom; each person sees each issue from a different and fresh perspective. As team members contribute, the potential of a superior outcome multiplies. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). For greater likelihood of success on the battlefield and in the boardroom, multiple individuals should contribute and be encouraged to give input.
A third benefit is that teams recognize the limitations of the individual. No one person is a complete package. Individuals have limited experience, limited IQ, limited energy, and limited time. Wise men and women through the ages have stood on the threshold of burnout and realized that they must share the load. Unless a leader is willing to be inclusive and to delegate, he or she will never increase team effectiveness.
Fourthly, teams build on the contributions of others. Teams look to the past to see what foundations have been laid; they look at the present to determine what they can contribute now; and they look ahead, knowing that others will follow who are counting on their best efforts today. The idea that “One sows and another reaps” holds true, and teamwork is about multiplying effort and results.
So how can you develop teams to become more effective? You seek people with complementary skills, ongoing communication, and collaborative spirits who are committed to a shared purpose and hold each other accountable.
Complementary Skills
The saying in marriage that “opposites attract” holds some truth in the composition of a team. Each staff member brings a unique set of abilities and capacities to the effort. Discharging their various skills for the benefit of the organization leads to the success of the team.
Ongoing Communication
Teammates talk often and honestly. Mere memos, emails, and secondhand information can undermine the sense of community. In contrast, an intentional team leader helps members to regularly converse face-to-face, including using video calls. Members understand the importance of body language and tone of voice. Stronger teams discuss not only the task at hand but also their lives outside the office. They build relationships. Ongoing communication is essential for having your expectations met.
Collaborative Spirits
Teammates serve as sounding boards for one another. Cooperative individuals like to cross-pollinate ideas and are interdependent. Invigorated by others who hear, question, and sharpen their ideas, teammates are not threatened by other perspectives and contributions. In fact, they seek input consistently.
Common Purpose
A team forms around a dream. Their complementary skills, ongoing communication, and collaborative spirits culminate to accomplish a mission. They have a goal and are passionate about achieving the objective. And lastly,
Accountability
Hard questions are asked. Teams willingly yoke themselves to each other. The value and importance of the mission keep each teammate from allowing the others to fail.