A single teammate more focused on the “me” rather than the “we” can grind momentum to a halt. The team can still perform but won’t have the synergies and efficiencies that arise from true collaboration. The win that justifies “me” priorities is easier to accomplish with the advantages of a team. Usually, the benefits are elusive without a commitment to honing a set of interaction competencies. Everybody wins when the whole team is skilled at the following behaviors:
- Sacrifice: placing other needs in front of your own.
- Generosity: creating goodwill by sharing knowledge, assets, and resources.
- Compromise: forging win-win opportunities.
- Negotiation: balancing gains and losses respectfully.
- Listening: seeing the world through another lens.
- Collaboration: linking strengths to promote growth.
- Coordination: conducting an orchestra of variables.
- Interdependence: fusing your future outcomes with the path of another.
Team aptitudes are learned. They are not in the traditional on-boarding curriculum of most jobs. The good news is that each day is filled with opportunities to practice. Take a walk around the workplace. Check in with your coworkers. Each exchange is a new lesson.
