My in-laws are probably the most avid and talented gardeners I know. When my wife and I visit their home, I always find myself amazed at the beauty of their back yard. The perimeter of their well-manicured lawn is an oasis of beds filled with trees, shrubs, and flowers arranged to produce a symphony of […]
If you are currently part of a group that lacks team trust or is struggling with issues like petty jealousy or defensiveness, rest assured that there is hope. Any negative environment you are now experiencing can be improved by investing time in building or repairing relationships – but once you have acknowledged that there is […]
The end of the year is a time for reflection, and often a useful opportunity to consider what you can do as a leader to improve your team in the year to come. When you take a moment to review your team’s performance, keep in mind that every organization could be perceived as underachieving. It […]
There is a saying that you are one of three things: You are either watching the parade, in the parade, or leading the parade… That brief analogy can convict the least involved among us with its truth and simplicity. It is likely that you have, at times, played each of the three roles. But it […]
Teamwork begins with a shared commitment to a defined goal. In most cases, whether it is a championship in your sport, test scores in your educational field, or industry leadership position in your business niche, there is someone that your team will need to out-perform in order to achieve the goal you have set. It […]
You may not be a doctor, but I expect you are able to recognize and diagnose the obvious symptoms of discouragement as easily as a doctor can spot chicken pox. Team leadership is about your awareness – seeing evidence of wellness or illness in your team culture everyday… It starts with something seemingly innocuous – […]
The first dog my wife and I got from the shelter was a big, happy blonde Labrador mix. We took the time and effort to train him, and went through about fifty bags of dog biscuits in teaching him to sit, stay, lie down, and fetch. It took time, but he was a great dog […]
Wearing the same uniform does not make a group a strong team, and Teacher Teamwork does not happen on its own. Unfortunately, although setting a school goal is important, the identification of a unifying goal does not ensure your group will work together through adversity to accomplish it. To ensure your people reach their stated […]
Most every one of us has experienced it at some point before. We have all seen it happen to others on countless occasions. It transcends every sport, gender, and situation. Somebody does something worthy of praise. Striding off the field of battle and looking for validation from their team, awaiting accolades from a manager or […]
It can be the glue that holds people together, but it can also be the venom that tears an organization apart. Good Morale has been defined as the “emotional or mental condition with respect to cheerfulness, confidence, zeal, etc., especially in the face of opposition, adversity, or hardship.” But poor morale can lead to a […]