Building the “perfect team” seems like an impossible task these days. Can a truly “cross-functional” team even be built? Seems like these days you practically need a degree in psychology to get this right. But you don’t.
Over my past 6 years at Polaris, I’ve worked with clients to develop high performing agile teams. I’ve found that regardless of technology, structure, and focus (software development, marketing, sales), there are patterns to what makes teams successful, and what can hold them back from greatness. In this talk, I’ll walk through what we've learned about building strong teams including how to recognize psychological preferences and innate strengths, how to be a strong leader to support your team as they learn to become high performing together, and a quick review of a tool you can use for uncovering the strengths of your individual team members.
Throughout the discussion, I'll share my own personal experiences and insights to help you learn how you can build stronger teams too!
4. 1. What does “team” mean anyway?
2. What to do with all those introverts?
3. A key ingredient – strong leadership!
4. Things YOU can do starting now
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
9. 1. CONSISTENCY
2. collaborate EFFECTIVELY
3. have SHARED goals
4. SWARM on deliverables
5. EMPOWERED to deliver
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
10. Teams are highly interdependent - they plan work, solve
problems, make decisions, and review progress in service of a
specific project.
Team members need one another to get work done.
https://rework.withgoogle.com/guides/understanding-team-effectiveness/steps/define-team/
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
16. You might be an introvert if:
• You are seen as "reflective" or "reserved."
• You prefer/are comfortable being/working alone
• You prefer to know just a few people well
• You may spend more reflecting than acting
• You may forget to vet your ideas with the outside world
Source: http://www.myersbriggs.org/
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
18. You might be an extravert if:
• You’re seen as "outgoing" or as a "people person."
• You prefer/are comfortable working in groups
• You have a wide range of friends and/or know lots of people
• You leap without looking
• Before starting a project, you may forget to get clear on what
you want to do and why
Source: http://www.myersbriggs.org/
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
31. Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
• People who are especially talented in the Learner theme have a great desire to learn and want
to continuously improve. In particular, the process of learning, rather than the outcome,
excites them.
LEARNER
• People who are especially talented in the Connectedness theme have faith in the links between
all things. They believe there are few coincidences and that almost every event has a reason.
CONNECTEDNESS
• People who are especially talented in the Input theme have a craving to know more. Often they
like to collect and archive all kinds of information.
INPUT
• People who are especially talented in the Individualization theme are intrigued with the unique
qualities of each person. They have a gift for figuring out how people who are different can
work together productively.
INDIVIDUALIZATION
• People who are especially talented in the Achiever theme have a great deal of stamina and
work hard. They take great satisfaction from being busy and productive.
ACHIEVEMENT
35. Try a few things…
Strengthfinder - https://www.gallupstrengthscenter.com/
Myers Briggs - http://www.myersbriggs.org/
Journey mapping
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
36. Be enthusiastic!
Keep conversations moving
Make it OK to “think out loud”
Keep communication open
Set aside time for brainstorming
Don’t assume commitment or decisions
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl
37. Get to know each other, build trust
Encourage responses with questions
Survey for input/decision
Don’t expect or ask for quick responses/decisions
Lots of 1:1 time
Lack of enthusiasm <> lack interest
Angela@PolarisSolutions.com Twitter: @OakParkGirl