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Team issues are not always what they seem

Team Issues Are Not Always What They Seem

Barb Krantz Taylor | May 23, 2018 | Blog | Leadership/Other | 2 minute read

One of the most challenging roles of CEOs is building a team that thrives and performs at its peak.  Why?  Because there are so many factors that influence team performance. These factors include things like the clarity of the team’s purpose and goals, understanding of each member’s role on the team, and where it overlaps or intersects with other team members. Other factors includes the quality and nature of communications between members, how effective team meetings really are, and how team members handle the inevitable conflicts that occur.  And, team functionality depends on the quality and experience of the leader him/herself AND the leadership competencies of each individual member of the team.

These factors operate independently, and in combination can exponentially heighten team strengths AND weaknesses.  To lead a team effectively, then CEOs must do 4 things:

  1. Understand each of these factors
  2. Diagnose each one’s impact on team performance
  3. Prioritize which factor(s) need the most attention, and THEN
  4. Take actions that improve the team.

Most CEOs I know haven’t the time to do all of this. Even if they had the time, they are often unaware of these factors, much less be able to tell which ones are operating.  So, most executives do one of two things:

  1. Nothing—After all, if a leader is unclear about what is really happening and what to do about it, then the risks of doing the “wrong thing” may outweigh the potential benefits of doing something!
  2. They take action on a symptom of the real team issue, overlooking the root cause of the team’s issues. When nothing changes, it only leads to frustration–and even cynicism–about the doing “team building” activities at all.

If this sounds like your team, let The Bailey Group help you.  Our consultants DO understand the factors that contribute to your team’s success (or lack thereof), can successfully diagnose those issues and are able to explain to you how they are operating, independently and in interaction.  We will recommend the highest value strategies to improve your team’s effectiveness.  All without any Kum-By-Ya trust falls. Give us a call or send us an email to discuss the specific symptoms you are experiencing.