How can we avoid losing focus on our team’s mission?
Once and a while, it’s important for teams that work closely together to clear the air. When teams are not working efficiently, and everyone has frustrations there must be a moment to get those out. I was reminded this week of the importance of addressing this issue. I have countless moments when meetings or interactions didn’t go as planned. So, I dusted off a resource I have used in the past. In his book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, Patrick Lencioni shares some issues that interfere with the efficiencies of teams. Every team member brings value to the organizations we are part of. We do better in our organizations when we are clear on our processes and our understandings of the decisions made. Will teams always see eye to eye? Absolutely not, and that’s ok. What isn’t efficient is when misconceptions or misunderstanding break up the team dynamics. Communication among teams helps us to avoid damaging the goals and plans of the organization. I hope to share some insights I have seen over the years and hope we can all make our teams better in the future.
It’s important for our teams to be on the same page. This means we share a mission and purpose that the team has internalized. Conversations about each team members perspective is vital. Teams must revisit the mission and vision often. You see, when we are working within our organizations, we get very busy dealing with the day-to-day plans that we fail to keep on track of the true focus. Teams will tackle issues through meetings and conversations, and each member will see things in a different way. All views should be welcomed, and other insights need to be shared. All views won’t be the same, but we must share them regardless of what is right or wrong. We must see that the best decisions or plans come forward to address the mission and vision of the organization.
Misconceptions of truth and the details can frustrate teams. The complexity of decisions in our organizations cause much frustration. Leaders make decisions based on the information at the time. One trap that some teams fall into is gossip. Team members not apart of an issue or decision should avoid listening to others who have a preserved understanding of an issue. Instead, check in with the decision makers and seek clarification. It is possible that all the facts are not shared or that only one side of an issue is seen. We avoid frustration when we better understand the issues and why things happen the way they do.
Leaders do everything in their power to make the right decisions for the organization in a timely manner. Sometimes our teams won’t have all the facts or are not even part of decisions, as it isn’t in their job description. Other people may then approach your team members sharing their frustrations about a decision made. These outsider views are the voices that cause dissention. There are always other perspectives that don’t align. Our teams must have constant communication with one another.
Misunderstanding can occur very quickly. Depending on the type of organization you are a part of, these misunderstanding can get out of control before anyone is aware. Checking in often, even if it’s just for a minute can clear up any issues of misunderstandings. Too often, team members let issues linger and don’t address them which only causes frustrations to grow into bigger issues. Talking out our differences and seeing all the reasons or factors helps teams work efficiently.
How often is your team revisiting the mission and purpose of the organization?
How is your team maneuvering any misconceptions?
How are your team members supporting one another?
How is your team checking in to avoid frustrations and misunderstandings?
We can do so much for our organizations when the team behind the scenes is on the same page. I think the underlining point in this post is communication among team members. I have witnessed individuals sharing why a decision was wrong and later finding out not all the information was provided. Misconceptions such as these hinder teams and simply clarifying the details make the issue go away. Thanks for checking in this week, and I hope you and your team are working efficiently for the betterment of your organization.
Steven C. Bucks- Leading Conversations
Resource:
Lencioni, P. (2002). The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, Jossey-Bass
