Episode #209 Strengthen Your Team

Five Problems

• Most groups that could be called “teams” don’t really function as teams.
• Coworker conflicts are among the most common workplace frustrations.
• Our bosses are typically not evil, but they are often ineffective.
• Teams struggle to make progress if everyone is moving in different directions.
• When employees do the bare minimum, this is often a sign of distrust.

Five Dysfunctions of a Team (by Patrick Lencioni)

• Absence of Trust
• Fear of Conflict
• Lack of Commitment
• Avoidance of Accountability
• Inattention to Results

Three Paradigms

• Leader As King: Others are here to help me fulfill my goals.
• Leaders As Hall Monitor: I’m here to make sure others do their jobs.
• Leader As Coach: I’m here to help others succeed.

Five Principles

• All leadership vacuums are filled, even if by someone who is not designated the leader.
• Clarity is often the solution to confusion and conflict.
• Business collapse rarely occurs overnight, but it is preceded by a long period of coasting.
• The fastest way to build trust with others is to listen intentionally and authentically.
• The support of just a few people may be the catalyst to strengthen the entire team.

Three Perspectives

• “People join companies but leave managers.” – Marcus Buckingham
• “The first responsibility of the leader is to define reality.” – Max Dupri
• “Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average person, they are almost indistinguishable.” – David Augsburger

Three Practices

• Create a culture where bad news is acknowledged with appreciation rather than anger.
• Identify three members of your team who you can celebrate this week.
• Ask others what they need to succeed, and then provide the necessary resources.