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January 21, 2003
Working together
We are starting a project this week to better understand and implement our UEN Shared Vision. In the manner of the master of self-improvement, we are focusing on one point each week. This week, we focus on "We work together to get things done."
My first question is: Why? Is this to make ourselves feel good, to make sure that everyone feels like they are included, that nobody is left out? I think there are places where that motivation is appropriate, but I don't think the work-place is the right place. We have jobs because we must get stuff done.
- Teams get things done better and faster than individuals could
- Teams accomplish things an individual couldn't
If a team isn't providing these benefits to a project and its members, a team approach may be worse than working individually.
- Teams create focus, excitement, energy and motivation
There is a big difference between the natural levels of communication and interaction and contributions that happen in any work environment (a passive team, just a bunch of people who get together), and the momentum and intensity associated with a Team (an active team, that creates and feeds on its own energy). Though naturally many people prefer the control of working individually, everyone prefers to be part of a team that is doing amazing things.
A "Hot Team" as described in Art of Innovation makes a huge difference in how employees perceive an organization, their level of excitement, committment and passion, and the productivity and success of the employees and organization. A Hot Team creates its own energy, excitement, momentum, motivation and success. Everyone wants to be part of a Hot Team. This has a direct positive result on the natural levels of interaction between employees and with customers, and how the organization is perceived by employees and customers.
I wonder if we would be more effective using a team approach on our project lists. The momentum, excitement and energy of small focused teams quickly completing major projects one at a time might be much more productive than easing forward a bit at a time on all projects simultaneously.
Posted by pete at January 21, 2003 9:42 PM