Insights
The Hidden Constraints of Communication
We might already be dealing with invisible communication constraints every day. Maybe it's assumptions we make about shared knowledge, specialized jargon that excludes others, or organizational silos that prevent open dialogue.
Communication is challenging enough when we can be direct. Add in artificial constraints, and it becomes a complex dance of trying to get what you need while staying within boundaries you can't even mention.
Use the Contra Code to Level Up Your Team
In today's knowledge economy, no role exists in isolation. Your success is interconnected with adjacent teams and roles – both up and down the organizational hierarchy. Like the Contra code itself, success requires understanding patterns and sequences that might not be immediately obvious.?
The Foundations of Amazing Teamwork
Creating an exceptional team requires intention and effort, but the rewards are worth the investment. When these six foundations are firmly established and actively maintained, teams can achieve remarkable results while creating an environment where everyone flourishes. Excellence in teamwork isn't accidental - it's the product of careful cultivation of these essential elements.
The Team Assessment That Speaks Human
As a facilitator, one of my core beliefs is that better understanding leads to better collaboration. The Principles US assessment gives teams a shared language to discuss how they work best - whether they're natural leaders who inspire others, methodical problem-solvers who dive deep into details, or adaptable collaborators who thrive on change.
Team Building's Secret: We Learned It All In Our Youth
Here's the profound insight: Most of us learned the fundamentals of teamwork in our youth through sports, arts, or other group activities. When facing team challenges in our professional lives, perhaps the solution lies not in complex management theories but in returning to these basic principles.
Stepping Forward - The Hidden Power of Team Commitment
The psychology behind this approach aligns perfectly with James Clear's insights on identity-based habits in his book "Atomic Habits." When we incorporate something into our identity – whether it's being a committed team player or a coachable athlete – our actions naturally flow from that self-image. It's no longer about forcing ourselves to follow rules; it's about staying true to who we've declared ourselves to be.
My First Real Job: Team Lessons from the Gas Station
But the most valuable lessons weren't about job titles or task management. They were about people. I learned that compromise is essential - the work needs to get done, regardless of personal preferences. I discovered the importance of treating everyone as teammates, recognizing that we're all in it together, even if just for an eight-hour shift. Most importantly, I learned that maintaining a sense of fun makes everything easier. After all, it's just work - why not enjoy the process?
Use This for Halloween Team Building
Nostalgia can bring us back to simpler times, and remembering joyful things. We also don't remember the stresses so much, hence why our memories are usually rosier than they were in real life. Also the lightness of Halloween can bring out the playfulness in everyone! Amp it up with some fun punch, mini candies, and of course pumpkin anything.
Do You Have “That Guy” on Your Team?
Have you had this discussion with your team? Are they holding people accountable in ways you are unaware of?Here’s a tip - Have a theoretical conversation on what it takes to be a good teammate. Have the team list out qualities and agree on a top 5 . If there is an issue on your team, a “quality” will be surfaced that is being broken.
Creating A Resilient, Future-Ready Workforce
In our recent "Build Your Future Workforce" workshop with the Westchester Human Resource Management Association (WHRMA), we explored a crucial question: What actions should companies take now to create a resilient, future-ready workforce? The responses from participants were diverse and insightful, highlighting the complexity of this challenge
Who are Your Team Anchovies, Who is Your Salt?
This is the hard part of being a leader - often times leaders are given teams that they didn't hire, figuring out how to assemble the best recipe with a set amount of ingredients. While the leader may set the table for the culture of the team, how each person shows up and interacts determines the true flavor of team itself.
Fostering Team Success Through Individual Responsibility
By fostering an environment where team goals are prioritized and each member feels responsible for the team's success, organizations can create stronger, more cohesive teams. Remember, a great team is not just a group of talented individuals, but a synergistic unit where the whole truly becomes greater than the sum of its parts.