Have you ever worked on a team where everything clicked? Where everyone seemed to be on the same page, moving effortlessly towards a shared goal? That’s the power of SYNERGY — a team that becomes more than the sum of its parts.
But how do we achieve this state of synergy? It doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a conscious effort to cultivate a “One Team” mindset and prioritise behaviours that foster seamless collaboration.
You often find us with leaders and teams, helping them create SYNERGY, particularly choosing the mindset and behaviours they want to underpin their success. This week, I had the privilege of witnessing firsthand how ambitious teams were designing their path to achieving synergy. They were identifying the “Us” behaviours that would underpin their success.
Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Kindness and Courage: Psychological safety is crucial. When team members feel safe speaking up, sharing ideas, and even making mistakes, diverse voices can flourish.
- Active Listening in a Safe Space: Open communication fuels innovation. When team members genuinely listen to each other, creativity and problem-solving sparks.
- Genuine Interest: Building trust is the foundation of solid bonds. Genuine interest in your teammates, personally and professionally, fosters a sense of connection and mutual respect.
- Growth. Tuakana Teina: The Māori concept of “Tuakana Teina” (the relationship between an older (tuakana) person and a younger (teina) person) reminds us that we can learn from and support each other. By fostering a growth mindset, the team becomes a learning unit where everyone constantly develops.
- Celebrating Differences: A team’s strength lies in its diversity. The solutions and outcomes are richer when we embrace and celebrate each member’s unique perspectives and strengths.
- Be Actively Inclusive: Every voice deserves a seat at the table. Actively including all team members ensures everyone feels valued and contributes to the best of their ability.
- Focus on What Matters Most: Clear goals and priorities keep the team moving forward. When everyone aligns on the “why” and the “what,” momentum is maintained.
- Forward-Thinking Mindset: Anticipation is critical to strategic advantage. The team can proactively adapt and stay ahead of the curve by considering potential challenges and opportunities.
By prioritising these “Us” behaviours, teams can unlock their true potential and achieve extraordinary results. Remember, it’s not about having a collection of talented individuals; it’s about creating a space where those individuals can work together seamlessly as a single, powerful unit.