Though there are a wide variety of suggestions regarding how to effect positive team results, we have found in multiple settings that when we are pressed to articulate the irreducible-minimum essentials, we always return to the same three core attributes, namely, viewing one’s teammates as fellow workers, committed colleagues, and mission partners.
As we unpack this further, it is important to keep in mind that all three of these attributes must be kept in balance; the wise leader 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 develop equilibrium once again.
That said, this week we are exploring the role of becoming mission partners with others on our team.
Here are several tips regarding developing a culture of mission partnership:
Provide a clear corporate mission. When left leaderless, people will drift like the law of entropy dictates (thermodynamics) into a random pursuit of their own individual self-interest(s). This can – or more factually, will - create conflict among team members as competing agendas quickly begin to emerge. A clear statement of corporate mission that directs the entire group will provide a point of focus for every individual and can thereby encourage self-centeredness to be replaced with the pursuit of an external and objective team mission.
Encourage personal commitment to the mission. Tell stories of people who demonstrate mission commitment… create heroes out of those who help to advance the mission. People will begin to quickly get the message – the way forward for personal gain is to place the mission ahead of personal agendas.
Articulate the mission at every opportunity. People notice what the leader considers important. Constantly articulating the purpose and value of the mission is crucial to develop and maintain team focus.
Model personal commitment to the mission. Instead of seeking to motivate people to work for us as the leader, the wise leader will choose instead to boldly demonstrate personal commitment to the mission of the organization; wise leaders will make it clear that they themselves exist as a leader solely for the sake of the mission.
Clarify organizational purpose for everyone. Make it clear that every person, every role, and every department exists solely to advance the mission of the organization.
Reward mission commitment. Give incentives, praise, and even bonuses to those who demonstrate behavior that evidences selfless commitment to the mission. Doing so will clarify what is valued: the organization’s mission comes first!
The key to each of these points is to encourage every person to see themselves and their teammates as mission partners – as people who are joined together to achieve a purpose higher than any individual agenda. This emphasis on mission can energize every person on the team to focus their energy on achieving the goals set by leadership for the team as a whole.
Mission Partner: this is one of the three key attributes that is essential to building an effective team.
In the next weeks we will explore each of the remaining two attributes in more detail. As always, your experience-based input and insights are welcome.