Team Development
Who are the right players we need around the table and how do I get them working collaboratively as
Image you are a member of a team that had the following characteristics:
- Tremendous sense of purpose and alignment
- High levels of trust and support
- Generating outstanding results
- Inspiring leaders and role models
- Positive, fun, lighthearted, able to see the upside
- Fights well together; able to have the tough conversations
- Creative problem solvers
Sadly, in practice, many senior teams have a mixed track record. There may be politics and conflicts around succession. Salaries may be high and value delivered spotty. Roles may be unclear. Ego, image and self-promotion may take over. 'Group think' and an unwillingness to talk about the tough issues may be endemic. Just 'showing up' may be tough given all the competing business demands and pressures that can pull the group apart.
No two teams are identical. Context is everything. Although each unique team development challenge needs to be carefully considered, there are common elements that are applicable to every team.
- Team Structure: Size, goals, roles, accountabilities, alignment of purpose, rewards, membership
- Composition: Diversity and getting the mix of skills right and personalities; ensuring an alignment of values
- Leadership: Understanding how the CEO's behaviour impacts the team
- Relationships: Between team members and with critical stakeholders inside and outside the organization; levels of trust and quality of interactions
- Processes: The dynamics of how the team works together, creates its agenda, shares information, makes decisions and get's it work done
- Learning Orientation: How the team gains feedback, self-corrects, learns and improves; and of course
- Performance: Track record at generating results and demonstrating value-added work as a team
At NextGenLeaders we take a fact-based approach to understanding the team dynamics at play. We rely on assessments to gain insight about the individuals and the collective team. The CEO has a critical role to play as both team leader and team builder. We work closely with the CEO and their top team to find solutions that make sense. We build commitment to the on-going priority of the team's evolution and development.
"In developing leaders, Allen mixes a “just do it” sensibility with sincere caring and respect for the needs of the individual. He inspired our entire leadership team to raise its game."
- Paul Combe, CEO American Student Assistance
