Click here to read about healthy workplace conflict in Part 1 of Building a Strong Team

Strong teams prioritize what’s best for the organization then move forward.

Prioritizing puts things into an order of importance or gives special attention to something. Want to prioritize what’s best for your company?

The second point the Gallup Management Journal article emphasizes is:

• Good teams stay focused on the big picture, the larger goals of your company and…
• Don’t get bogged down defending their own ideas or positions…
• Focus!

Focusing On The Big Picture

After a healthy debate about whether or not to adapt a new office policy, a great team pulls together and those who championed the “losing” ideas don’t let that bother them. The whole team understands that these things are not personal, that the only thing that really matters is what’s best for the company.

Sounds like a dream team, doesn’t it? So how do you nurture that kind of generous attitude in your own team?

First, you must model that kind of attitude yourself.

When someone else comes up with an idea that is better than the one you put forth, suck it up and say so! Applaud the creative thinking of your team. Encourage them to share their ideas. Your office should not be a place where employees are afraid to make suggestions or contradict you.

Reward acts of generous behavior.

When you see your team pulling together, acknowledge it. Don’t be afraid to voice personal observations. Odds are most of your office staff is female-and most women just happen to respond more to open communication. Sorry fellas, they usually are more sensitive than we are, so meet them on their own turf.

Has there been a big disagreement issue?

Be sure to make the people on the “losing” side feel like their opinions are valued too.

Pause and Ponder:

• Stay focused on the big picture. What’s best for the company?
• Applaud and acknowledge creative thinking and behaviors.
• Encourage idea sharing, and make everyone feel all input/opinions are valued.

True or False?…Members of strong teams are as committed to their personal lives as they are to their work. Part 3 reveals the evidence…

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