Leadership Lessons 2012
Team Topics
“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work,
a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
~ Vince Lombardi
Treating Teammates Well
Groups work well as teams when the individuals involved treat each other with kindness and respect. How is your
team doing when it comes to this angle? Sharing some simple reminders can help…
◊
Practice the Behavior Favor. Respond to the needs of your group. For instance, if you’re asked for something, do
your best to get it to that person right away. Return phone calls and emails promptly and leave accurate, complete
messages. Answer questions quickly and offer assistance when you see another in need. Your good-natured, helpful
approach will gain co-workers’ respect and they will be much more likely to return the behavior favor when you are
in need.
◊
Balance Strengths and Weaknesses. In solid groups, there are folks who complement one another’s strengths and
weaknesses. Be aware of these areas in order to create an effective balance. Who on your team does really well presenting in front of others? Who is good with the behind-the-scenes details? These complementary strengths may be
the perfect mixture for group projects! As you all get to know one another, a discussion about strengths and weaknesses will help you determine who should work together on what tasks. Just be sure that you are not limiting yourself from an experiential learning opportunity because, “Oh, it’s not one of my strengths.” Grab this chance to learn
and to allow others to learn from you.
◊
Create Team Traditions. Spending so much time together, you are bound to develop your own special traditions.
These may be anything from giving one another “standing O’s” for tasks done well to singing the alma mater discostyle as a team warm-up before events begin! Implement traditions that reflect your group’s special sense of loyalty or
kookiness.
◊
Avoid Cliques. Nothing breaks down group cohesiveness like the formation of cliques. Of course, some people will
become better friends than others. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s okay to only stick to your small, comfortable
group. You are part of a team! Reach out beyond your comfort zone to know other members. Become a cross-trainer,
capable of spending and enjoying time with all sorts of team members!
◊
Establish Open Lines of Communication. Develop a sense of mutual respect initially through open, honest sharing.
The bond of trust is crucial to your team’s success! Agree to discuss problems or issues directly with one another rather than speaking behind someone’s back. And, follow through. If you sense that another person is having a problem
with you, confront her with care and tact. What may seem like a big deal may simply be a small misunderstanding.
◊
Support One Another. Your views may differ from those of another person, yet be sure to always maintain a public
air of support, addressing contentious issues in private. And, recognize one another for a job well done. You’ll need to
prop one another up, especially through the crazy busy times. It should never get so hectic that you fail to be there for
one another!
Continued on the following page
45
125 Paterson Ave, Suite 4 • Little Falls, NJ 07424 • (973) 256-1333
Fax (973) 256-8088 • www.paper-clip.com • Copyright 2011
Prepared for our institution by PaperClip Communications.
Reproduced or retransmitted under license by PaperClip Communications.