Even the best teams get overwhelmed. In fact, high performing teams are subject to overwhelm even more than an “average” team since they have such high aspirations. Even the best teams need to pace themselves. Overwhelm can sneak up on us and be hidden. One team member who was interviewed for a recent article in Harvard Business Review said: “I was holding it … [Read more...] about Is Your Team Overwhelmed?
Teamwork
When Your Team is Too Big
There is an epidemic in organizations today that some people romantically call a “flat structure.” A slow but steady shift has taken place in organizations over the past several years. The result is that managers are leading larger teams than ever, often with significantly less administrative or organizational support. Responsibilities continue to multiply, but the … [Read more...] about When Your Team is Too Big
The Illusiveness of Accountability
Everyone agrees that holding people accountable is crucial for high performing teams and organizations. And yet, so many leaders do this very poorly. Some of the implications for lack of accountability include: Below average performance of the team and organization Resentment builds among team members Lack of accountability becomes a part of the culture and … [Read more...] about The Illusiveness of Accountability
How to Show People You Care
Early in my career a few people I respected recommended that I read the book, How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I was not interested! I didn’t need to “win” friends. I was already good at “making” friends. And the “winning friends” part made me suspicious that the “influencing people” part was about “how to manipulate” people. Not … [Read more...] about How to Show People You Care
Do People Trust You?
What kind of leader do you want to be? The research on trust is very clear. Leaders who are trusted are much more effective. Teams that trust one another are more effective. And organizations in which high levels of trust exist among employees are more effective. This all starts with you as a leader. Can people count on you to be honest with them and to tell … [Read more...] about Do People Trust You?