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On Deck: Your Ideal Team
Exclusive for the Coach Darcy Community
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| Greetings! | 
In my neighborhood, the youth soccer teams are now in full force, catching World Cup fever thousands of miles away from the games. Down the street, there's a family I always spot in their Little League uniforms, usually with post-game ice cream. And at my local YMCA, the swim team screams can be heard from the parking lot!
Welcome to the time of team. With Memorial Day behind us, we're in full summertime mode here in the US, and that means teams that play--and also that work. In fact, I've noticed a surge of newly formed teams as companies realize they still have big objectives to complete in 2010--and the year's almost half over!
The people and teams I'm coaching keep asking one thing, "Who do we need on our team to make it work?" So, with a little thought (and a little whimsy sparked by a day at the ballpark), I've created the list below for you. Enjoy, and thanks for being part of my team here at Coach Darcy!
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On Deck: Your Ideal Team
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 Legendary basketball coach John Wooden, who recently passed away at age 99, said, "The main ingredient of stardom is the rest of the team." (I suspect that hoops uber-superstar LeBron James is thinking the same thing as he debates his upcoming free agent move.)
If it's true that the team's success creates our own success, then why aren't we spending more time thinking about--and creating--the teams we want?
To start you on your way, I've identified the seven people you want on deck as part of your ideal team. Look around and start recruiting them now, before your next "game" begins!
1. The Manager. It may be a nice egalitarian idea, but self-managed teams don't work. Neither do "co-leads." Someone must ultimately be responsible. Even if you think you've seen these models work--look harder. Someone stepped up and led--and others let them. But don't be fooled--the Manager doesn't need to make all the decisions and carry all the burden. In fact, the smart Manager gets input from her team, and makes sure each member knows who owns each decision and action.
2. The Umpire. Who's keeping your team on the straight and narrow, reminding you of the rules of the game even when you get distracted or overwhelmed? The Ump can be a welcome addition to make sure your team doesn't go into foul territory.
3. The Ace. You need talent. Period. Sign the Ace.
4. The Utility Player. Talent's great, but adaptability and flexibility are critical competencies, too. The Utility Player flows like water into the nooks and crannies where she's needed. (Note: because she can do so many things, the Utility Player is in high demand. Worship her.)
5. The Groundskeeper. Who's keeping the project's "playing field" clean and organized? The Groundskeeper manages important files and records so the team doesn't waste time hunting for--or worse, recreating--vital information. The mistake most teams make is asking everyone to play Groundskeeper, which never works (try getting your Ace to upload emails to the database.) This is a game-changing role, great for the administrative professional who'd like to get more involved, or the well-organized up-and-comer who needs more exposure to the work content. Want to join a hot team? Volunteer to be the Groundskeeper.
6. The Fan. Who keeps encouraging everyone even when the results stink? Who helps each person see the best in each other? The Fan sings your fight song, stays until the end of the game, and generally makes it worth showing up. Plus, he's the first to start the wave when your work is a success, and the first to remind you of all the bright spots when it's not.
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| What's New with Darcy? | Want to walk on the wild side? Go visit the Everglades, as I did over  Memorial Day. My family and I loved getting up close and personal with the twisty mangroves and the swamp-lovin' animals (see me and baby gator, above.) I'm sending lots  of positive energy to the people working on stopping the oil flow in the Gulf so we can save my brown pelican friend here and all creatures who depend on the ocean to survive. This month, I'm taking a break from my usual schedule to enjoy a Father's Day trip with my Dad to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. Can't wait to absorb the history, culture, and insights about the changing landscape there. . . and of course the beer, wine and food!! |
Ready to Put the Fireworks in Your Job Again? It's Time to Explode Your Value!
| | One of my favorite topics to speak on is "Communicating Your Value in the Workplace." I'm convinced that our world needs everything each of us can bring--yet for some reason, we're capping ourselves instead of shaking ourselves up and exploding!
 That's why I created the Value Explosion Strategy Session. It's a 90-minute, hands-on work session focusing on your key areas where your value needs to shine. In this session, we create practical actions you can take to better understand, communicate and use your value to create results!
Right now, the Value Explosion Strategy Session is only being offered to members of my Community to give you the chance to really generate the value you can bring! Your investment is $350, which includes tools and plans you can use, plus my money-back guarantee if you're not happy for any reason.
If you'd like to learn more or get yours scheduled today, contact us. I can't wait to watch your value explode! KA-BOOM! |
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So where can you find these ideal teammates? The first place to look may be at the Ten People You Need at Work (my article from July 2009)!
Which role do you play on your team? What others are missing here that you've found important? I'm always interested in your stories, successes and struggles, so please share them anytime by emailing me.
I also value your thoughts and ideas about what you'd like to see in this newsletter. Send them my way here. Your comments inspire and motivate me, and together we make a great team!
Always,
Darcy Eikenberg, ACC
Coach Darcy LLC
P.S. If you enjoyed this article, it'd be my honor if you'd share it with friends or colleagues and encourage them to join my Community. It's easy to do--just use the button here--  |
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