Two things happen at the end of summer: students return to school and another football season begins. In my book, both are positive events. I also believe that those of us who do our work in the classroom have something to learn from the athletes and coaches on the field–especially, great coaches and winning teams.
Whether you lead from the C-suite or in a daily team stand-up, your people look to you for the information they need to do their jobs, recognition for the work they’ve done, and a clear vision of the path to achievement.
Nearly everyone wants to be recognized and rewarded for a job well done. I know I do. When I’m recognized, I feel better about myself, more connected to my colleagues, and more committed to the task at hand. Positive feedback puts a spring in my step.
My experience isn’t unique either.
We’ve all seen it; we need to deliver on a high-stakes project, so we bring together our A Team, a collection of the brightest, most talented individuals we have; and it bombs. The team that, in theory, will deliver brilliant results deteriorates into back-biting, recrimination, conflict and an abject failure to deliver. Why?
Simply put, management is about getting things done. At times, it’s the manager taking action, but most often, it’s the manager motivating others to take collective action. And the manager generally does this through one common yet powerful medium: words.
Opposition is the difference of opinion on a situation or issue and focuses on the problem or issue under debate. Conflict is when it feels or becomes more personal.
Now, we want to consider how collaboration makes great teams even more effective. Getting a team to work well together is now harder than ever. Team structures are becoming increasingly more complex in today’s environment.
Effective Communication is the Key. Every great team is made of individuals who communicate well.
We are excited to be presenting at the 2019 CIPD Festival of Work on 12-13 June.
It’s not every day you meet an Olympian, so when I recently sat down with three-time Olympic medalist Susann Bjerkrheim, I was immediately intrigued and impressed.
