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In a recent leadership workshop comprised of senior leaders of a firm there was so much discussion about the challenges of their team. As with so many other companies, this organization put more focus on taking care of their external clients rather than taking care of its internal team. They thought that as long as the customers seemed happy there was no need to make any adjustments with the team’s direction. Yet it was obvious that these leaders were not functioning as a cohesive group and saw no need to be strong team players.
As the program continued it became more and more apparent that maybe understanding the dynamics of their internal team might actually help grow their client base. If they were able to iron out their differences and restart their team by everyone moving in the same direction, they realized how that might be helpful for their clients.
How can leaders become strong team players?
See The Value Of Being Part Of A Team
Teams can accomplish great things if the team is perceived as being productive and caring. Of course that means team members feel connected to one another and appreciated by the other members. What that can look like is thanking members for their contributions and hard work as well as sharing meaningful work. It is also important for the team to create values that all the members buy into.
Understand Their Strengths And Blindspots
To be a strong team player requires leaders to have a deep read on the areas they excel as well as the areas that may detract from the team’s success. Some ways to key into our strengths and blind spots are:
Be Willing To Share The Truth About Others
A strong team player is also able to tell members about their areas to grow as well as positive contributions they are making. As long as we share our ideas in a respectful way and there is a team culture of supporting each other, this feedback can be so helpful. It’s only when we are afraid to be honest with others that our teams derail.
Related: 5 Roads To Authentic Leadership
Put Their Egos On A Back Burner
Egos can run amuck on many teams if each leader thinks their responsibilities and projects are most important above all else. In Patrick Lencioni’s extraordinary book, The Ideal Team Player, he points out the importance of team players being humble . That means:
Help Their Team Honor Their Purpose
Without a purpose team players are unclear about the actions they should take or decisions they should make. To perform in sync it is essential for leaders to crystallize where they are headed and share that message with everyone they come into contact with. Why is this important? When team members see their work being part of a greater picture they are more likely to work harder and achieve more. Think about how you are making the lives of your customers better.