The leader mapped out her strategy for unveiling the company’s reorganization plan. She had four teams in three geographies representing a range of talent functions. As she reflected on her message, she realized the need to be multilingual. Each conversation would need to answer both the “what does this mean for me?” as well as the “what does this mean for us?” questions. Depending on the teammate, these would be very different questions with very different answers. Each exchange would be unique to the background, circumstances, and perspective of that particular human connection.
Just like the bonds between members, the team is its own living, breathing, dynamic organism. Every interaction counts. Both investing and neglecting have consequences. Neglect causes distance and investment invites closeness. When our energies are distracted, the entity grows weaker. When we act as stewards of our connections, the entity strengthens and a professional level of intimacy is allowed to unfold.
Every connection. Every interaction. Every day.
Steve Ritter is the Founder & CEO of the Team Clock Institute and the Managing Director of the Midwest Institute & Center for Workplace Innovation. You can learn more about executive coaching opportunities at elmhurstcounseling.com/executive-coaching/
