Leadership Quote
“The achievements of an organization are the
results of the
combined effort of each individual.”
~Vince Lombardi
Leadership Lesson
SUPER Teamwork
It’s Super Bowl week! This coming Sunday two teams will meet up to compete for the
bragging rights of being “Super Bowl Champs” for one whole year. What exactly do
you think it takes to be a championship team?
Teamwork is evolutionary. Evolving goals, members coming and going, changes in
leadership and unexpected road bumps along the way. So much can influence the
effectiveness of a team. However, there are some things that teams can do to lay the
groundwork for success.
T-reat each other with respect. Everyone deserves respectful treatment. If you’ve got
experience, don’t pull rank. Challenge yourself to be a mentor to new student leaders.
E-qual workloads make for happy team members. Don’t expect anyone to pick up the
slack if you aren’t fulfilling your responsibilities. Everyone must pull his/her own
weight.
A-sk questions. Ask for advice. Ask if another student leader would like to meet for
lunch. Other students are great resources and would be happy to share some of their
wisdom or brainstorm a problem with you.
M-ake decisions that reflect well on you and the rest of your team. Keep in mind that
you are a role model both on and off campus. Don’t be the bad apple that makes the job
of others more difficult.
W-illingness to take risks. Step outside of your comfort zone at times and take a few
calculated risks along the way. It can be uncomfortable and scary, but sometimes a leap
of faith is necessary!
O-pen Communication. Avoid hidden agendas and ensure that everyone’s
contributions are valued. Create an environment where members feel safe to express
their ideas and contribute to the larger team vision.
Borrowed: PaperClip Communications
R-emember that the journey is the reward! The dips and turns most teams go through
are often filled with valuable lessons and unexpected insights. The rewards can feel
much sweeter when there are a few sour moments weathered on the path to success!
K-now how to celebrate. Don’t forget to reward and recognize the small
accomplishments along with the achievements that maybe took a little longer and a lot
more effort. Every step to success matters and should be celebrated!
This week consider this reflection...
Ways to Build Your Team Today
Teambuilding is an ongoing process and must be given attention year round. There are
simple ways to create a team atmosphere. Can you identify 10 ways to build your team
today? Here are three to get you started…
1. Put “Team Time” on the Agenda – provide a question or activity at every meeting that
provides individuals with the opportunity to share something new about themselves.
2. Reward and Recognize – a quick “congratulations” or “thank you” is priceless. Whether
you do it publicly or privately…do it!
3. The Buddy System – encourage members to get to know each other in fun ways. Have
peer mentors within the group, secret “friends” to send fun notes or gifts throughout
the year, or small teams that work on projects together throughout the year.
4–10….what can you add to this list?
Borrowed: PaperClip Communications