4 Things (Most) Teams Need to Improve
In order to function at their highest potential, teams need to collaborate and each individual needs to bring their best self to the table. Whether it’s in your office, the boardroom, your family room, on a court or field, most “teams” could benefit by improving the 4 skills outlined below. As they say, “teamwork makes the dreamwork!”
(I say most, because I know there are some high-performing teams out there and/or maybe you’re already great at 2-3 of these things!)
A team isn’t limited to sports - it’s at work, at home, in your relationships, likely in your hobbies - really anywhere where you are coming into repeated contact with one or more people.
Communication
Effective communication is the difference between harmony and resentment.
What you can do to improve your communication:
Speak Up
Set & agree on expectations
Be proactive & timely
Be kind
Listen to understand, not to respond
Have the difficult conversations - and the truth is, they are usually scarier than you think. Come from a place of love and caring and it will be much easier. Also the more you do it, the easier it gets!
Schedule re-occuring check-ins - proactively, not reactively… get the time on the calendar in advance! (daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on what the team needs)
Mental Health
For a team to perform optimally, each member needs to be set up for success.
What you can do to address your mental health and the health of the team:
Be intentional about your life
Create morning & Evening routines
Limit distractions & "Noise"
Set boundaries
Take breaks
HALT*
Move your body
Get enough sleep
Ask for help
*Don't make decisions when you're hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
A Winning Mindset
What you focus on grows. Take responsibility, collaborate, care about the members on your team, and invest in the common goal
How you can cultivate a winning mindset:
Own your stuff, don't play the victim
Collaborate on goals & priorities
Focus on the goal, not who gets credit - often the best ideas come from collaboration - but when you have the opportunity,
Direct your brain, otherwise it will direct you - likely to your programmed pathways that aren’t actually healthy or helpful
Take action > anxiety
Apply stoic principles
Embrace failure, look for the lesson
Share team and personal wins each week
Have fun! If you’re not enjoying your like (work or personal) - it’s time for a change!
Time Management
Time is our only non-renewable resource. Use it well and you will be happier, more productive, and more fulfilled!
What you can do to improve your team and personal time management:
Prioritize! Pick the top 3-5 things that are most important to focus on.
Create goals for the year ahead
Set quarterly priorities
Plan the week ahead
Set priorities 1-2 days in advance
Use your personal calendar
Use a shared team calendar
Schedule block similar activities
Share best practices
Limit time on social media & other apps!!!
Final Word
Most teams can benefit by improving these 4 skills - as individuals and as a group:
Communication
Mental Health
A Winning Mindset
Time Management
Which one do you think you need to work on the most - personally & professionally?
What other skills do you think could be improved?
If you have any questions or if you want to dive deeper into challenges your team is facing - contact me! I love answering questions and creating custom workshops for your team’s specific needs.
Keep growing, friends!
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