As we think more about team work this week, let’s spend some time exploring a few questions to clarify how well you contribute to a team.
Ask yourself these questions, and be honest; you’re the one who will benefit from the clarity your answers can bring.
Seek first to understand, then to be understood.
Do I see to understand the situation before sharing my opinion?
When conflict arises, do I see out resolution with that person?
How well do I celebrate others before seeking the applause from others?
Am I willing to ask for help from others?
Is the team goal more important than my goals?
The answers to these questions can be quite revealing in terms of areas of opportunity, if you truly desire to be more effective in building relationships and developing strong, high-performing teams.
When I was younger, I was very much task-focused; I had learned from an early age to be very self-sufficient and to do as many things as possible by myself. I struggled with being willing to trust others, and didn’t give them the opportunity to help me … or even to disappoint me! I eventually reached a point in my career when I learned that it wasn’t a strategy for success.
I finally understood I would be successful only if I could form relationships, which would allow me to be much more productive and effective than I could ever be on my own. So, I learned to connect with people and build long-lasting relationships, with trust as the foundation. That’s not to say I get along swimmingly well with everyone I meet, but I am much more intentional about how I approach relationships. I am now living proof there is value in it.
I encourage you to really consider how better relationships can help you achieve more.
