Teamwork: Part 2
For the past couple days I have been pondering the question of whether it is necessary to take risks in order for a high performing team to be built. According to Patrick Lencioni in his novel The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, effective teamwork is based on trust. This simple fact is one I have overlooked many times. When I am placed in a group with people I do not know, I typically feel pressured to do more work than necessary so as to overcome any potential shortcomings of the team. I feel that for teamwork to truly become effective, I must take a risk and believe that my team members will carry their own weight. This can be hard to do when I feel that there is a lot at stake. How can trust be built without taking such a risk? I understand that the best way to do this is by building relationships, but in certain situations not enough time is granted for such action to be taken. Are there other ways for me to approach such situations? Is some sort of leadership skill necessary?
Comments
Posted by: Matt Kamalsky
Posted on: October 12, 2006 03:06 PM
I share your sentiments about teams. I sometimes find myself doing essentially the same thing when I'm placed in a team situation. One of the things that I believe helps build trust is a strong understanding of what your team members are trying to gain from the experience. Seeing what their objectives and goals are will make it easier for you to relate to them. When everyone knows their agenda, along with everyone else's, it becomes a lot easier for them to relate and work with one another. In that sense, honesty, in my opinion, is essential for any situation facilitating trust.