I think healthy teams are intentionally created, so wherever I serve I’m consistently trying to make our environment better. There are some things healthy teams never allow. It keeps them healthy.
The team I now serve with works well together – most of the time. We get along well with each other. My theory is it may have to do as much with what we don’t bring to the time we spend together as it does what we bring to the that time.
Let me explain.
Healthy teams never allow these 7 things:
Egos. There is no place for them. A team requires everyone pulling equal weight. That means everyone should get equal recognition. No one thinks they are “better” or more important to the team.
Closed minds. Healthy teams need every opinion on the team. The synergy of differences makes the team better. No idea is too crazy or wild to at least talk about together — maybe even experiment.
Domination. No one is in “control” on a healthy team. There are times when all team members are in “charge” because of their responsibilities.
Selfishness. Teams can’t be healthy when everyone is looking out for themselves. Healthy teams work together and support one another. They share time and resources.
Negativity. No one benefits from a poor attitude. Encouragement fuels health and production. Healthy teams encourage one another.
Personal criticism. Healthy teams support one another personally. They become like family – loving each other. They build each other up – not tear each other down. There may be teasing in fun, but a healthy team learns when even teasing goes too far. (I’ve personally had to go back and apologize for teasing.)
Stubbornness. When any team member holds out for “their” way – including the leader – it keeps the organization from achieving health.
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