Developing a healthy and productive team is the goal of every leader that values teamwork as the favored method of developing organizational effectiveness. We started this discussion by highlighting three core attributes that we have found to be essential ingredients for developing (and maintaining) an effective team culture.
In previous weeks we have reviewed the importance of everyone on the team viewing themselves and their teammates as mission partners, and the crucial function of viewing one’s teammates as fellow workers. This week we explore the characteristic of becoming committed colleagues.
Clearly one of the proving grounds for the principle of teamwork is Professional Football. And it is in that arena that we hear something that might sound at first a bit strange: becoming a committed colleague is an aspect of love – and it an attribute that is true even in the rough and tumble sport of Pro ball.
Arguably one of the greatest football coaches in history, Vince Lombardi served as head coach and general manager of the Green Bay Packers during the 1960's. He was known for his passion for discipline and execution, which led the Packers to five NFL Championships and two Super Bowl wins. His post season record was an astounding 9 and 1, his only loss coming in 1960. Here is what he said about his amazing team and its record:
“Teamwork is what the Green Bay Packers were all about. They didn't do it for individual glory. They did it because they loved one another.” - Vince Lombardi
What did he say? You might join me in asking, “Did I read that right? …they loved one another”? Yowzza! That is quite a statement, Coach. You are saying that Repeat National Championship Professional Football players loved one another?!
So there we have it. The third attribute to effective teamwork is this: committed colleagues.
As we have said in previous weeks, if people are on mission together, it helps everyone to focus outward rather than on self-interest; and if we add to that regarding for one another operating in distinct complementary roles, we can view each other as fellow workers. But the magic shows up when we add in the third element to which Coach Lombardi unashamedly refers: commitment and care as colleagues (yes, the Coach calls it love).
Here are several tips regarding developing a team culture as committed colleagues:
Don’t Fake It. To care - to really care about one’s colleagues - can’t be faked. It’s not a leadership technique; it’s real. Or it’s not.
Make it Personal. Learn about co-worker’s personal interests, hobbies, past-time activities. In other words, get to know them as people.
Love People and use Money. Don’t get this backwards. The true of what we prefer will leak out. People will figure out what matters most to us. People have enduring value. Place them first. Ahead of money.
Sincerity Sends the Message. Ask questions when a person seems out of sorts. While we must respect appropriate personal boundaries, don’t ignore the signs that someone is having a challenging day or going through a tough patch. Again, be appropriate, but at least ask.
As mentioned in past weeks, it is important to keep in mind that all three of the ingredients for strong teams – mission partner, fellow worker, and committed colleague - must be kept in balance. Experienced leaders will constantly be on the alert to assess which of the three is in a deficit position so that the appropriate emphasis can be brought to bear to establish equilibrium once again.
Next week we will look at how to help a team grow in each of these three aspects. Our goal is to develop and strengthen a healthy team culture among those we serve by leading.