Resource guide for terrific teams

Tips for Terrific Teams Susan.M.Davis Terrific teams don’t just happen.

It takes a group of committed individuals, some structure, positive leadership and a

Resources for creating and being part of a highly functioning team in any industry, organization, or community

hefty dose of Joy!

Tips

Tools Trainers

SUSAN M DAVIS

TIPS.FOR.TERRIFIC.TEAMS

Why Team?

Co-Create . . . Communicate . . . IGNITE Change!

Tip # 1

Know WHO is on your Team The best teams are made up of individuals who can contribute their unique gifts to the benefit of the whole, and who honor and respect others gifts. We are not all the same in terms of the strengths and skills we bring to the table, nor in our learning, behavior or communication styles. It’s really essential in a team, to KNOW each of the players – their strengths, their behavior/learning styles, and how to communicate with each other. There are excellent tools to help teams really get to know the players, like DISC and True Colors, both of which, are not only great tools but also ‘toys’ for teambuilding.

Check Out:

http://TrueColorsIntl.com http://bethweisberg.com

I can’t think of anything more awesome than the experience of being part of a highly functioning team.

I’ve been blessed to have had this experience numerous times over the many decades I’ve been in business, served on boards of both non-­‐profit and community organizations and in building The Co-­‐ Creation Community.

My experience has shown that not all teams are highly functional, though. And some are actually highly DISfunctional; and those are not awesome, nor is the experience much fun. I’m sure you’ve experienced this, as well, and so when you read these ‘tips’, ask yourself whether your teams have taken them into consideration or practice in the day-­‐to-­‐day functioning of the team.

A big part of my journey with Co-­‐Creation has been through participation, collaboration, and having mentors, colleagues, and partners, employees, and consultants -­‐ who are real experts in the area of team facilitation, team dynamics, and team building. You will find links in this resource guide to several of whom have excellent programs, books, and strategies for you to become a better team player, a better leader and facilitator of strong, highly functional, teams in any industry, organization or community.

ENJOY! 2

SUSAN M DAVIS

TIPS.FOR.TERRIFIC.TEAMS

TIP

Have a Commitment to Common Purpose This goes much deeper than having the same end goal in mind. What it really means is that each team player is: In alignment with the Core-­‐Values of the team as a whole; the WHY.

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TIP

In alignment with the Team’s Vision – Where the team is going and why.

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In alignment with the Team’s Mission – How the team is getting there; what each team player is doing to move toward the Team Vision.

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Check Out: http://bit.ly/1rLePkW TIP

Communicate

Have Agreements Clarity will always make a team function at it’s best. The kinds of agreements that are necessary to have for a highly functioning team are: •

Structural

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Behavioral

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Players Roles Schedules

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Commitments

Strong agreements are:

Good communication in a team is essential.

This means:

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Explicit Specific

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Leave no room for assumptions Have structure that supports accountability Are Mutual

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Listening with respect Being honest, open, non-­‐judgmental

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Problem solving rather than avoidance

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Giving and receiving support Have FUN; use humor/’enlighten up’

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Check Out:

http://GroupAlchemy.net

Check Out

Tribal Leadership by Dave Logan, John King, Haley Fisher-­‐Wright

"The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives”- Anthony Robbins "None of us is as smart as all of us. …the problems we face are too complex to be solved by any one person or any one discipline. Our only chance is to bring people together from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines who can refract a problem through the prism of complementary minds allied in common purpose – Warren Bennis, The Secrets of Great Groups 3

SUSAN M DAVIS

TIPS.FOR.TERRIFIC.TEAMS

TIP

Have Systems for Accountability Responsibility and accountability instill trust. In a strong team, with committed team members there is personal accountability and accountability to the team as a whole. Create systems that make it easy and fun to hold team members accountable. Focus on acknowledgement and celebration that will strengthen the group, as well as inspire the individual players to be accountable for those things to which they’ve committed.

Not sure how to create systems that are fun and that really work?

Check Out:

TIP

Cultivate a Community of Leaders When each team member is honored and respected for their contributions to the whole, and given the opportunity to shine, leadership develops. This isn’t the old model of ‘Leader’ at the top or front, and Followers getting pulled behind.

It’s more the circular model where leadership strengths from every player are respected, developed, and allowed to contribute to the functioning of the whole. This is the WE model, or the Level Four and Level Five model described in Tribal Leadership.

http://bit.ly/PeerAccountability

TIP

Create Ritual, Reinforcement and Renewal

Amazing things happen in organizations and teams that cultivate a community of leaders.

A team is like a living organism and for the sustainability of a high functioning team, there must always be inclusiveness, celebration, and response. There is a commitment to excellence, both personal and for the group as a whole, and this is both behavioral and performance related. Celebration of excellence inspires and motivates and when we are committed to positive change and growth, our team will see sustainable success.

Check Out:

http://CultureSync.net http://tinyurl.com/mq5p6gu

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SUSAN M DAVIS

TIPS.FOR.TERRIFIC.TEAMS

Additional Resources Check out The Co-­‐Creation Community

http://TheCoCreationCommunity.com Conscious Team Master Class – Fantastic Audio Series

http://pwc2.com/consciousteams_kelsey Strategies, Tools and Support to Make Teaming Easy & FUN

http://MamaRedKnight.com From Panic to Clarity -­‐ How to Build Your Business Online http://bit.ly/1oUIw4w Great Video about Co-­‐Creation – Going from ME to WE

http://OneProject.org Sustainable Design Is All About Collaboration/Teaming http://HomeStylus.com

A Well Thought–Out Process and Some Great Tools for Teams http://GiversBenefitFormula.com

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