Teaming is as challenging as it is necessary
Being a better team member benefits individuals, teams and organisations. Photo by Clem Onojeghuo on Unsplash
Research indicates that most of us are on more than one team at work. In a research project in 2018, I explored this in depth and came to the conclusion that if each of us is a better team member, it's a great outcome for:
Us as individuals - it is intrinsically rewarding to know that we are making a positive contribution to the teams that we are a part of. It also makes you someone that others will choose to work with (which is a huge advantage for your career)
The teams that we are part of - this seems pretty obvious.
The organisations that we work in - the more that individuals in an organisation that have the behavioural flexibility to play different roles across different teams, the better organisation is able to respond to the change in its environment
I could go on for ages about that (happy to do that any time over a coffee or a call!), but this week I'd like to share three questions that will help you (or anyone) to be a better team member:
Which teams am I on?
Every time I run this exercise, people are surprised by how many teams that they are a part of. It has never stopped at the team on the organisational chart or the title in their email signature.
Realising that you are a part of multiple teams is the first step to turning up better in each of those teams.
2. What is my role in each of those teams?
By this, I don't mean the 'title' that you may officially have. What do you believe is the way that you add value to that team? Some people come up with great ideas - like the "agitator" who saw their role as challenging group think or the "mediator" who saw their role as acting as a link between different perspectives within and between teams.
3. How do I need to turn up for this team at this time?
This is beyond the mechanics of the actions that add value (although that's a part of it). It's mostly about how you behave in a way that makes others feel like they can make their best contribution. It's also about acknowledging that at different times, each time may need different things from you.
I mentioned it before, and it's probably worth repeating. The behavioural flexibility that allows each of us to contribute in different ways on different teams at different times is not easy. As Professor Amy Edmonson of Harvard says, it's worth remembering that "Teaming is as challenging as it is necessary."
I hope that these three questions help you as you take on that necessary challenge.