Team 101: What Does It Mean to Be Part of a Team?

Core Team Foundations for Success

A couple of months ago, I ran one of the more difficult team building events I've ever had to run.

People were actively on their phones, ignoring others. 

Some willfully did not participate

However most were up to the task, which made it sad that a few individuals made it that much harder for others to connect with each other.

I thought, they don’t even have the fundamentals of basic expectations set up.

So what does it take to be part of a team? 

Being part of a team, whether in an office, on a sports field, in a kitchen, or on stage, involves adhering to core and basic expectations that ensure success and cohesion. Here are some universal principles that apply across all types of teams:

1. Trust and Reliability: Team members must trust each other to fulfill their roles and responsibilities. Being reliable means showing up prepared, meeting deadlines, and consistently delivering quality work.

2. Communication: Clear, honest, and open communication is vital. Team members should be able to express ideas, provide feedback, and discuss issues without fear of retribution.

3. Respect: Mutual respect among team members fosters a positive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

4. Collaboration and Support: Team success depends on collaboration and supporting each other’s efforts. This includes sharing knowledge, skills, and resources.

5. Adaptability: Teams must be adaptable and flexible to navigate challenges and changes effectively.

6. Commitment to Common Goals: All team members should be committed to the team’s goals and work towards them collectively.

If you're working on team dynamics and communication challenges, or just trying to improve performance, having foundational excellence in these areas will provide a launchpad for your success. 

 Understanding the complexity of team communication is half the battle. Solving it is the other half. Let us help your team navigate these complexities with our LEGO-based sessions on communication, collaboration, and connection. Contact us today to learn more and see how we can transform your team's communication dynamics. Let's build a better team together!

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