DEFINING THE TEAM

We’ve all seen teams that have a common goal yet lack common values. Everyone on the team has different ideas about what’s important. The result is chaos. Eventually the team breaks down if everyone tries to do things his own way. That’s why team members need to be on the same page. Just as personal values influence and guide an individual’s behavior, organizational values influence and guide the team’s behavior.

If you want to add value to your team and help it reach its potential, then you need to share in its values. First, make sure that you know what they are. Then, examine your values and goals in comparison to them. If you can wholeheartedly buy into the team’s values, commit yourself to aligning yourself with them. If you can’t, then your misalignment will be a constant source of frustration to you and your teammates. And you might want to think about finding a different team.

Are you and your teammates on the same page when it comes to values?  

Reference:

Maxwell, J. C. (2007). Maximize your day: 365 days of insights to develop the leader within you and influence those around you. Manila, Philippines: OMF Literature Inc.