A Simple act but immense learning

Today, in lecture we carried out an exercise whereby 3 people crossed a valley using a pole. Although the act looked simple but it had many deep learnings. We even carried out the act practically in the class.

Some of the basic ideas which need to be implemented while performing this exercise can be:

a) Speed of the 3 valley crossers should be synchronized.

b) Real Time Communication should be there among them - where they could communicate to each other how and what steps to be taken while crossing the valley. Also this would help them be on the same platform of thoughts which is of utmost importance in this task.

c) Gap Size between any pair should be same/uniform/equal.

d) Closed Feedback Loop must be present (more or less the same as point b) of Real Time Communication).

We learnt the following management lesson out of the activity.

1) Develop a Shared Vision and Unity of Purpose 

• Team building comes from a clear vision of what the group is striving to achieve and is tied to

commitment, collaboration, teamwork, individual and mutual accountability

• A shared vision that has meaning and purpose creates synergistic empowerment

2)  Develop Pride in Group Membership and an Identity as a Team

• Point out sources and consequences of taking pride in group membership

• Get team to think about the “legacy” they would like to be remembered by this season

3) Develop a Meaningful and Inspiring Mission for the Team

• Mission statement: solemn unconditional agreement among group members that spells out meaning

and purpose behind groups existence affirming “This is who we are, this is what we are all about”

• “what do you want to accomplish this season, what will it take to get there?”

4) Develop Complementary Roles and Synergistic Teamwork

• Everyone working together with a collective desire/passion to succeed

• Understanding and appreciation of each others roles (role clarity, role acceptance, role importance)

• Create weekly reward system to recognize athletes who excel within their roles (effort awards)

5) Individual and Mutual Accountability

• Everyone must be on the same page, working together to achieve goals that are deemed important 

6) Positive Team Culture and Cohesive Group Atmosphere

• Psychosocial factors that influence team chemistry both on and off the field

• Note distinction b/w task cohesion and social cohesion

• Do things socially together, build a real sense of camaraderie

7) Strong Internal Leadership from Within the Group

• Genuine sense of peer helping and social support, stepping up for what is right, moving team along

in the right direction

8) Ongoing Communication about How Things are Progressing 

• Talk openly about the commitment and discipline required to reach team goals

• Monitor, evaluate, and adjust goals as needed (goal boards)

9) Open and Honest Communication Processes and Trust at All Levels 

• Many communication problems on teams arise from miscommunication and/or misunderstanding

• Effective communication involves mutual sharing and mutual understanding

• Athletes respect coaches that are open, honest, genuine, sincere, and direct

• Listen to others, they will listen to you (demonstrates that you care)

• Non-verbal communication just as important as what you have to say

• Encouragement and support: Find things people are doing correctly and acknowledge it!

• Remember, just because you have communicated does not mean you’ll always get what you want