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When
I think about the best experiences I've had working in teams,
what comes to mind is the feeling of satisfaction and the
sense of accomplishment that comes out of hard work, stress,
and lots of laughter.
What
makes the team experience so great is a combination of several
factors. But the most important factor is how I feel about
myself during the group (team) process. The group experiences
that are most memorable are the ones in which I feel that
I had made significant contributions.
In
many ways, it's up to the individual whether or not s/he has
a positive or negative team experience. We often think too
highly of how others relate to us, but with a conscious effort,
we as individuals can make the ultimate difference in how
we affect the group process and outcomes. This means that
we have to make a commitment, to ourselves and to the members
of the team, to do "our part".
Here's
what I think it means to do "our part":
- Decide
to accept your team members as they are. Although it's much
easier said than done, we need to consciously decide to
accept others. If we wait around for our feelings to dictate
whether or not we're going to like someone on our team,
it might be too late. Go into your next team assignment
with a commitment to accept others as they are. Try it!
Mind over matter. If you don't mind, it don't matter.
- Be
honest in the moment. Sometimes, things do matter and it
bothers us. Speak up! Don't wait until the team has
already
made the decision. Make sure you're honest with yourself
and others throughout the entire team process. But remember
that it's all in how you say it.
- Be
humble. Be humble by suspending judgment of others and their
ideas, opinions, and suggestions. Give people the benefit
of the doubt that their ideas are brilliant and give them
the opportunity to express themselves. When they do the
same for you, you'll realize just how important it is to
be given this respect.
- Remember
that others' worldviews are as just as right as yours. As
you go through the team process, remind yourself that the
way you view your world is not the only way. In fact, when
you look through the lens of others, your world will be
much more richer and clearer.
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- Encourage
your team members. No team is without disagreements and
miscommunication. But when these things happen, you have
a choice to make this a learning opportunity and grow, or
perpetuate the cycle. With a little bit of encouragement
and commitment from all the team members, teams can move
forward and accomplish great things.
"Doing
our part" simply acknowledges that we are, indeed, empowered
to make a difference in our teams. Be aware of how we act
and treat others. Being a team player that is accepting, honest,
humble, and encouraging, is a conscious decision we all need
to make.
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