Hopefully, you’ve given serious consideration to the ‘what if’s’ team building suggestion that I mentioned in Part I. Yet, here’s a question: who facilitates those ‘what if’ dialogues?
Listen, if you are a leader, then you need to be involved with these team building efforts—either as the primary facilitator, or as an active participant during a facilitation led by an expert consultant. Without you, Mr. and Ms. Leaders, any team-building results will be diminished. (Incidentally, while leaders are often at the helm, leadership qualities are demonstrated at virtually every level of the firm, depending on contexts and sub-contexts).
And let’s say that, as a leader, you are having trouble keeping up your own spirits in these tough times. You’re privy to the numbers, and you know the bleak (or promising!) firm outlook. I’ve been there; I know that feeling.
How about monitoring your own attitude to fuel positive team building virtually every day? I am not suggesting that you lie or be anything less than transparent regarding what is going on in the company. (Note: transparency could be fodder for a future blog.) What I am suggesting is that you buck up and keep spirits high because people are counting on you to do so. And yep, it starts at the ‘top’ (even if the ‘top’ is a middle manager of a team in a specific design studio).
So how about finding an inspiration to keep your mood up? Here’s an example: Last week I watched a friend take a beginner’s salsa lesson. I’ve seen many salsa instructors all over the city, and have always been impressed by the energy of this particular instructor, Ricardo–his patience, willingness to entertain all levels, warm smile, slow motion “matrix-like’ dance moves, his bursts of applause for the group that would make everyone else applaud too. Even though as an experienced salsera I would rather play it cool, elegant, and ‘non-plussed’, I couldn’t help it…I found myself giving in and applauding too. Ricardo has ability to break through our ‘cool factor’. Why does this charm me enough to use it as a supporting example?
Let’s look a little deeper. All ages, economic levels, education, and ethnic backgrounds are represented in this salsa class. The camaraderie of this group of strangers is evident, thanks to Ricardo, who manages to create intimacy within the first 15 minutes of the lesson.
If he can do this with such a diverse group, while still making everyone feel ‘special’, then what is his technique, and how can that be transferred to team building on an every day basis within your own firm? Consider:
1. Energy: But not cheesy, and only if your entire aura/demeanor can get away with it
2. Compassion: Give the lone sheep of the group gentle kindness, without drawing attention to their potential deficiencies.
3. Universal humor: good-natured, not biting or sarcastic
4. Encourage movement: bio energetics (which is an interesting thought for a biz meeting)
5. Genuine concern for all participants
My point: leaders with a good attitude help to build a stronger team naturally. And for those of you leaders that are at the tippy-top, remember, no infighting and backstabbing! That behavior is far more obvious than you realize, especially to your middle managers. If your leadership team is dysfunctional, then you can be certain it will squelch any positive inroads you’ve made with team building throughout the firm.
Yes, there will be a Part III to Team building in tough times. Always welcome your emails.
