Let's Volt In!

“9 Two people are better than one. When two people work together, they get more work done.10 If one person falls, the other person can reach out to help. But those who are alone when they fall have no one to help them. 11 If two people sleep together, they will be warm. But a person sleeping alone will not be warm. 12 An enemy might be able to defeat one person, but two people can stand back-to-back to defend each other. And three people are even stronger. They are like a rope that has three parts wrapped together—it is very hard to break.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

Most of the effective internal change agents I know work with small teams. Their teams give them more eyes and ears with which to see the situation from different angles. Team members have a wider range of experiences that can be used to analyse the situation and decide on a course of action. And each team member means an extra pair of hands to execute plans.

What makes a team dynamic - variety of capabilities and perspectives - can also be a source of friction. In fact, right after you’ve brought a team together, expect some drama. Your team members will discover their differences as well as their commonalities - more importantly, their complementarities. If your team is able to pull through that phase, they’ll work out norms of living and working together. Then they’ll start performing.

It would be nice to have a Dream Team - exactly the kind of people who are perfect for the job. In real life, you’re more likely to have less-than-perfect members (including yourself). To paraphrase the old song, “If you can’t have the ones you want, work with the ones you have”.

Ideally you’d like to have people with both enthusiasm and competence. If you have to choose between these two qualities, go for enthusiasm. People who are driven and motivated will learn what they need to. They’re more likely to contribute to the team’s work than experts who do not feel any incentive to do anything.

Remember too that your team is composed not only of subordinates and colleagues. It also includes superiors who share your vision. Bring them together now, and get to work!

#Teamwork #EmpoweringParadigms