|
 
This month I'm devoting the newsletter to the concept of TEAMS.
First off, we need a working definition of TEAM; How about: "A group of people working together toward a goal or having a shared purpose".
Who benefits from being a member of a team?
Everyone should. AND... the team itself needs to prosper.
Examples of Teams:
A) Members of a high school sports team. Do they all benefit from being a member of a team? Absolutely. Each one grows in their skills in the sport. Each one shares in the victory and learns from the defeat. Does the team itself prosper? Yes, I think so. The better the team is, the more attractive it is to other potential players.
B) Members of a "sales team" within an organization. Each member should share in learning and growing as sales professionals. The team helps to keep each of its members motivated. And maybe it shares in the victories and defeats. Should the team itself prosper? Yes. The team needs to find ways to expand and grow. It needs to continue to find ways to bring more value to its members.
C) A less traditional or obvious one is being a member of your trade or professional association. The association may certify it's members, help to promote the profession itself, help to pass legislation which aids it's members, hold conferences and meetings to help educate/motive/expand the member's skill set.
Is there an "I" in T-E-A-M ????
"I" sure think there is.....
Although your coach in High School may have said that there's no such thing....
This coach would beg to differ.
Here are some thought provoking questions:
1) What do "I" bring to the team?
2) How can "I" help improve the team?
3) How can "I" best help each team member individually?
You may have been taught a couple of things over a long period of time:
1) It is great to be a Team Player.
2) In business you have to "Go it Alone"
Well, these are certainly contradictory!!
As you read about teams, one of three thoughts probably come to mind:
1) I'm already in a team and it's great.
2) I'm already in a team and it's terrible
3) This team concept doesn't apply to me
4) I don't have a team "available" to me, but I sure wish I did
Let's take these one at a time and give value to each.....
If you're already in a team and it's great WONDERFUL. You know exactly what I'm talking about. My questions to you are: Can you make it better? Is it great for everyone, or just you?
If you're on a team that's terrible let's dig a little deeper.
First off, are there clear objectives for the team?
Are there clear responsibilities for the people on the team?
Are there personality or other conflicts with the teammates?
How can you be a part of fixing these issues? OK, that one's not a rhetorical question. I mean: How can YOU be a part of fixing this?
If you don't think that the team concept applies to you, think again. How much better would you or your company be if you could utilize some of the skills and talents of other people? How much more productive could you be? What further service can you be to your customers? How much better could your profits be? Many professionals are in business for themselves, but are part of an "informal team or network". Why can your physician easily recommend another doctor who specializes in something that your doctor doesn't? Because they're part of "a team". If a lawyer can easily refer her clients to an accountant because they already know the ethics and capabilities of the accountant, you've just witnessed a "team approach" to helping their clients.
Maybe you're a "solo-preneur". Could you use some creative help? How about some financial advice? Help marketing your store/product/service? Why not have a team do it with you?
If you don't have a team "available" to you, but you'd like one... CREATE ONE!!
There's nothing stopping you. It doesn't have to be formal. It doesn't have to be "approved" by anyone. It can be something that you put together that helps all the people involved. If you think that a team could be appropriate, I offer my "How-To-Guide for Creating a Superb Team."
1) Get a vision for the team Make sure there's a purpose. One that everyone can understand and "buy into".
2) Determine the rules for the team Who does what and when. Why? How?
3) Determine leadership Who's going to play that role? How often will it change? How will it change? What responsibility will the leader(s) have?
4) Determine how will the team communicate. There are so many options open to us today. We can communicate in person, by phone, by email, by tele-bridge, by video conferencing.... Etc.
5) How will the team expand? And Why?
6) When a goal is met, how will the team celebrate? - Think this isn't important? Ask any insurance agent if they want to be a part of the "president's club" or whatever the top sales professional's "club" is called for their company.
OK- here comes the plug..... Seriously consider having a business or personal coach fill one of the spots on the team. A good coach is trained to support/motivate/inspire/set direction/help create vision/find and fix problems...and in general, be a great team player.
Until next month then... Be Well, and I Hope to See you Soon,
Jerry
PS - Those of you in Windsor, Connecticut - Don't forget to turn your TV to Cable Channel 21 for the Windsor Fun Facts LIVE game show this Friday, March 21 at 7:00pm. You just may see your favorite coach dressed as "Hulk Hogan". The rest of you will have to beg for a tape of it! The things I do for publicity.... Geesh!!
PPS As you may or may not know, I build my practice ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY through your referrals. If you know someone who's business or personal life just isn't where they want it to be, please give them my name and number. During a complimentary session, I'll be happy to see if there is a way that I can help. All sessions are strictly confidential.
2003 Jerry Wistrom and All Out Coaching, LLC
All rights reserved.
|
| |
|
|
|
