There is an "I" in Team
Several months ago, I was talking with a group about team development. Someone asked, "how do you move a group from thinking about "me" to being "we." My answer seemed counter intuitive to some, "you need to focus on the individual first -- to focus on their "I-needs."
Before someone will make the choice (and it is a choice) of being a truly committed team member, the person must
perceive that several individual needs have been met. If these needs are not met, they may continue to be a team member but the likelihood that you are getting their maximum commitment and productivity is unlikely.
There are several "I-needs" that need to be addressed to move the team towards success:
- I need to understand and support our purpose.
- I need to see how my goals are achieved through participation on the team.
- I need to understand my role, see it as meaningful and appropriate.
- I need to believe the expectations set for me are realistic, important and equitable to the expectations of others.
- I need to have my capabilities leveraged for the benefit of the team.
- I need appropriate influence on decisions made.
- I need my opinons and input valued by the team
- I need to have others' respect and openness when there is conflict.
- I need to be rewarded in ways that are meaningful to me. In need to believe there will be a return on my investment.
Team performance is often what drives results in our organizations. I encourage you to look at your team. Is it high performing? If not, how well have each of these needs been met for the people on your team? |
