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When
I think about the best experiences I've had working
in teams, what comes to mind is the feeling of satisfaction
and the sense
of accomplishment that comes out of hard work, stress,
and lots of laughter.
What
makes the team experience so great is a combination
of several factors. But the most important factor is
how I feel about myself during the group (team) process.
The group experiences that are most memorable are the
ones in which I feel that I had made significant contributions.
In
many ways, it's up to the individual whether or not
s/he has a positive or negative team experience. We
often think too highly of how others relate to us, but
with a conscious effort, we as individuals can make
the ultimate difference in how we affect the group process
and outcomes. This means that we have to make a commitment,
to ourselves and to the members of the team, to do "our
part".
Here's
what I think it means to do "our part":
- Decide
to accept your team members as they are. Although
it's much easier said than done, we need to consciously
decide to accept others. If we wait around for our
feelings to dictate whether or not we're going to
like someone on our team, it might be too late. Go
into your next team assignment with a commitment to
accept others
as they are. Try it! Mind over matter. If you don't
mind, it don't matter.
- Be
honest in the moment. Sometimes, things do matter
and it bothers us. Speak up! Don't wait until the
team has
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already
made the decision. Make sure you're honest with yourself
and others throughout the entire team process.
But remember that it's all in how you say it.
- Be
humble. Be humble by suspending judgment of others
and their ideas, opinions, and suggestions. Give people
the benefit of the doubt that their ideas are brilliant
and give them the opportunity to express themselves.
When they do the same for you, you'll realize just
how important it is to be given this respect.
- Remember
that others' worldviews are as just as right as yours.
As you go through the team process, remind yourself
that the way you view your world is not the only way.
In fact, when you look through the lens of others,
your world will be much more richer and clearer.
- Encourage
your team members. No team is without disagreements
and miscommunication. But when these things happen,
you have a choice to make this a learning opportunity
and grow, or perpetuate the cycle. With a little bit
of encouragement and commitment from all the team
members, teams can move forward and accomplish great
things.
"Doing
our part" simply acknowledges that we are, indeed,
empowered to make a difference in our teams. Be aware
of how we act and treat others. Being a team player
that is accepting, honest, humble, and encouraging,
is a conscious decision we all need to make.
Contact
JoAnn: joann@employeedevelopmentsolutions.com
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