Toolbox Tool : Three Step Process to Encourage Teamwork

Behind every able man, there are always other able men, Chinese Proverb.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. - Proverbs 27:17.

No is no question about it, the team is greater than the sum of its parts. It is the successful leaders responsibility to assure proper teamwork in group settings. This can be completed in three steps.

1.Teamwork Envirnoment

K I S S- Keep it simple stupid. Small teams don't need lots of hierarchy. Extended process impedes teamwork.

Cooperation- Encourage team goals, not individual competition.

Provide necessary support- be a servant, provide information, extra staffing etc.

Authority- Allow teams to act on their given consensus.

Feedback- Give positive feedback to the team when warranted.

Disclosure- Give the team full information on needed requirements.

2.Coaching others on Team Skills

Mission Statement- Help the team define its mission/mission statement

Stewardship- Help the team define its roles and responsibilities.

Feedback- Ask the team to evaluate its own effectiveness.

Leadership- Discourage We vs They discussions and thinking.

Action- Encourage the team to involve others in the process.

Accomplishments- Praise the team often when it is effective.

Self Evaluation- Encourage the team to once again evaluate its effectiveness.

3.Problem Solving Skills

Investigation- Define the problem, ask ask and ask again, sometimes the problem on the surface is only a symptom of the actual problem.

Influence- seek input from others before making any decision. Some of this could be group discussions or one on one.

There are literally thousands of books written on Teamwork. I would encourage you to read "The Skilled Facilitator" by Roger Schwarz.

Remember Leaders are Made not Born. Keep reading and learning. Attend Automobile University to sharpen your skills. Dont know what Automobile University is? Check this link Automobile University

Automobile University

Do you travel often in your car? Most of us do. In fact there aren't many activities which my family participates in which do not in some way involve our car (SUV to be exact).

Motivational speaking legend Zig Ziglar used the term "Automobile University" to describe using time spent in one's vehicle on such worthwhile endeavors as listening to personal and professional development materials. The idea being that the same amount of time that is normally spent listening to music or doing something else, that while it may be enjoyable isn't going to necessarily help us improve or experience the benefits of personal growth (nor move us any closer to achieving the goals and dreams we've set for ourselves). Listening to educational or professional development information could benefit us exponentially.

Instead Mr. Ziglar suggested that we could be spending that same time, which might otherwise be wasted -- listening to a tape or audio program that will increase our expertise in whatever particular topic we might choose.

Making driving time learning time is an idea that many people have used to their advantage for years. I challenge you today to attend!