Team Work

I had an incredible experience the other day.  As I was checking out at the local grocery store, my iPod shuffle separated from the earbuds and fell down between two counters.  There was a thin space between the immovable counters which had collected all sorts of things over the years.  

The manager, who had just gotten off her shift, rallied her co-workers.  Creatively they found a piece of cardboard, a metal wire and a broom.  At one point there were five employees lending assistance and advice.  They pulled old newspapers, a ten dollar bill (which went in the charity box), pens and lots of dirt and dust out of the area.

Finally they spied my shuffle, managing to dislodge it from its trap with cheers all around!

During the whole process, everyone worked as equals.  The manager was giving some gentle direction, but so was everyone else during the process.  I was reminded of some tips to working as and building a great team.

Tip 1:  Gentle leadership.  A good team leader provides the team with resources that they need to get the job done.  Team leadership welcomes input from all team members, tries different ideas and doesn’t hog the credit for a job well done.

Tip 2:  Equality.  Each member of the team offers different skills and abilities to get the job done.  All members are equal, valued and respected for what they offer.  Praise comes from all directions, not just from the top down.

Tip 3:  Focus.  A team has a mission or focus that is relevant and important.  Clear and specific goals allow the team to measure their accomplishments.  The team understands what success means.  Progress towards that success motivates the members to strive toward the goal.

Tip 4:  Leave them alone.  If you’re a leader in an organization and have formed a team to accomplish something that is relevant and important – does it really matter how they reach the goal?  The team has the responsibility and authority to solve a problem – let them solve it.

Tip 5:  Appreciate the effort.  A team may meet, fall short or exceed your expectations.  Whatever the result, understand it is difficult to work with others.  Reward the effort through recognition and praise – who knows what the result may be next time.

What has been your experience working on a team?  Do you have any tips that you’d like to share?  Leave your comments below so we can all learn from you.