As a voyeur into many team meetings, I am often stricken by team dynamics. Teams can run smoothly or be full of conflict.
Think for a second about why you are on the team...is it for career advancement, is it to be charitable, is it because it's your job? Whatever the reason you are on the team, it is YOU, the "I" that is tasked with functioning within the team. You may have a cohesive team that functions well together or you may not. You may like all your team members or you may only like some. You have thoughts, feelings and emotions that drive how you will act and interact within this team. Be aware that there is a HUGE "I" in this team and "I" can decide how successful "I" want my part in this team to be.
What are the team's goals? Do those goals align with your goals? If they do not, there is certain to be conflict. Conflict left unmolested will fester and grow. Your "I" within the team will grow weary, sometimes angry, sometimes frustrated. There it is again, the "I" showing up in its full majesty, wanting attention but again wanting to be part of a collective whole.
Your background, culture, education, etc. exists to shape the individual perspective you share. Again, this can be of great value to the team in providing guidance and direction or it can also be a formative foe. The "I" may want to be acknowledged, validated and valued for its contributions, but those wants may not be in alignment with the overall team needs and direction.
So how do you keep the "I" in check? Here are 5 tips to be mindful of when participating in any team.
- Awareness: Be mindful of what is coming up for you at all time... know your thoughts, feelings and emotions. Continually check in with yourself. If this situation doesn't serve you and you cannot change it, find an alternative. Although you may not see it at this time, there is always an alternative and you always have choice.
- Communicate: Share your thought, feelings and ideas freely. Holding back will only create negative emotion that will fester and eventually hurt the team. Do not talk about teammates behind their backs, especially with other team members. This is catabolic and destructive to the success of the team
- Respect: Show respect when expressing your views. Find the right time to voice your opinion. Think about your statements ahead of time and try to influence positive change. Collaborate don't isolate.
- Inclusion: Make sure you listen to each person's point of view and perspective. Each person is on the team for a reason. Don't let personal agendas take over the teams dynamic.
- Engagement: Share yourself freely, take pride in being part of a team, be a vital asset and key contributor. This will surely make a difference.
In the end, recognize that you are on the team for a reason. It is truly your choice to be on team, so make the best of your time and it will surely pay off in a big way. Keeping the "I" in check will certainly increase your odds of both personal and team success.
Cheers to continued success and remaining UNSTOPPABLE!