The more distanced the world became in 2020, the more the desire for connectedness increased. Workers knew intuitively that they needed to get their work done safely and remotely while staying on top of the needs of the team, department and organization. Even as individuals were pulled from their focus on the work of the team due to personal care at home, especially school-aged or ill loved ones, the team spirit stayed strong or supported arising weaknesses. If career professionals take the time to examine the factors of a successful team, their work and the work of their clients will operate better in a post-covid world.
~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: How Team Resilience Overcomes Challenges
Navigating challenges is unavoidable, especially during a pandemic. The key to succeeding despite challenge is building resilience in teams. Four critical characteristics have been identified: candor, resourcefulness, compassion and humility. Employing interventions, such as “Candor Breaks” or “Story Sharing” provides the restorative charge to the team's resilience. Read more from Harvard Business Review.
FOR PRACTITIONERS: Personality Matters to the Team
Looking beyond skills, a team may be most successful when personality is taken into consideration. Team roles are closely connected to personality (such as the Rule Follower who pays attention to details or the Innovative Thinker who encourages curiosity). Pivotal insights arise when teams are formed based on how the individuals are likely to work together. Read more about the need to look beyond skills.
BONUS:
FOR PRACTITIONERS: Using the MBTI to Improve Teams
Increasing awareness is a hallmark of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator tool. When used in a team building session, the MBTI may assist with managing differences, influencing other team members, and creating a plan to work together. Using a Type Table for Teams, the strengths and areas of improvement can be identified. Likewise, focusing on the Conflict Pairs (T/F and J/P), the real issues and root causes can be effectively examined. Read more about using the MBTI for lasting changes to team effectiveness.
CAREER SPOTLIGHT: Best Jobs for People Who Enjoy Teamwork
Those who thrive when collaborating with others may want to search for careers that involve specific factors such as inter-departmental tasks, ensemble focus, contractual hirings and diverse groups. Searching for careers in entertainment, market research and human resources might be good places to start. Read more from Monster.com
TOP TEN: Ways to Build a Collaborative Work Environment
Helping workers transition from an individual mindset to a collaborative one necessitates paving the way for “active participation in the group dynamic.” Start with a convincing reason, then define expectations, followed by aiming for achievable wins, and your team is cultivating cohesion. Read all ten from Entrepreneur.
QUOTES
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” ~ Helen Keller
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” ~ H.E. Luccock
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