How Great Teams Bend Time & Drive Innovation

The myth of the lone hero looms large - but the REALITY is that behind every successful goal achiever there is some kind of team -friends, family, coaches, mentors, bosses, colleagues, etc. Even Thoreau on his famous solitary Walden Pond retreat had family members bringing him home cooked meals! Not only does a team provide a broader perspective - but it also serves to accelerate your progress - and open the door to even higher possibilities.

But how do we go about building a great team culture? We use words like “harmony” and “team work”, but often don’t consider how to define those terms, how to create these qualities - and most of all - we’re not exactly sure if having harmony and teamwork on hand actually makes much of a difference for achieving results.

If you’re on an underperforming team, here are 5 strategies to build meaningful harmony and ignite high impact results:

1). Exercise Your Ears - Listen First to Amplify Every Voice
We don’t usually associate ears with speed and acceleration, but they are actually one of the most vital parts of your body for moving faster, especially when working with a team! Active listening shows you value others’ perspectives. Give quiet voices an opportunity to be heard by creating space in meetings. Participate less yourself, and invite new ideas. When everyone contributes, fresh thinking emerges and remarkable progress emerges.

2). Resolve Issues Quickly Through Impartial Mediation
Address interpersonal challenges with speed and impartiality. Hear each viewpoint fully before searching for middle ground. Remind peers of your aligned mission. With positive intent, constructive conflict resolution is achievable. A habit of quick and constructive resolution is the foundation for harmony and building momentum by staying on task.

3). Optimize Communication Strategies for Each Person
Understand teammates’ preferences, from introverts to extraverts. Then tailor your communication approach, whether group meetings or 1:1 outreach. Transparent, personalized information sharing builds trust and unity and helps to keep the shared mission simple and accurate.

4). Spread Positivity to Dissolve Barriers
Genuine positivity makes collaboration infectious. Bring enthusiasm to each interaction. Find new ways to mutually support and learn. Celebrate wins together. This spirit dissolves walls between teammates, enabling open exchange.

5). Embrace Flexibility for Successful Compromise
Last but certainly not least - being on a team means that new directions and ideas will emerge. Being open to change demands flexibility and compromise. Approach projects openly, meet partners halfway, and find reasonable solutions together. While pushing for excellence, demonstrate empathy for team needs. Shared goals demand fluidity on both sides and once everyone is aligned, progress can happen in record time.

As you plan your Rocket Goals, consider how you can help your teammates and how they can help you - and then build a results-driven team culture where innovation thrives through agility, acceptance and yes - harmony!

1). Exercise Your Ears - Listen First to Amplify Every Voice
2). Resolve Issues Quickly Through Impartial Mediation
3). Optimize Communication Strategies for Each Person
4). Spread Positivity to Dissolve Barriers
5). Embrace Flexibility for Successful Compromise