Team Leadership: From the Valley of Group Mudslides to the Peak of Performance

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From the “eagles peak,” you are more likely to “see” hazards to conversational momentum. Get to the peak quickly so you can intercept obstacles before they put productivity too far out of reach.

Did you ever lead a meeting that felt like you were running in mud? Does your team, at times, seem like it’s moving in slow motion when solutions seem self-evident? Have you ever wondered why your team’s conversation strays so far from the purpose of the meeting? Does your staff continually ask you to make decisions rather than take initiative to achieve self-directed resolutions? If any of these scenarios sound familiar, then you might have been listening to what they were SAYING and missing what they were DOING. As a leader, ask yourself:
  1. Who is the informal leader of the group?
  2. What is their leadership style?
  3. Is a pair on the team controlling the conversation?
  4. Is there a conflict in the group, and if so, how is the team supporting its continuation?
  5. Is anyone being excluded from the dialogue?
  6. Where is the trust level?
  7. Are the group norms in sync with the mission of your company? If not, then how did the conversation get off track?
The answer to these questions is hiding in plain sight. Rise above your frustration! Head to the “eagles peak” and view your team from a new perspective. Learn how to describe group content and process in powerful, clear, simple statements that result in your team getting itself unstuck. With calm, timely statements, you can lower your own blood pressure and avoid the pitfalls of a stagnating group. Use your knowledge of group dynamics to help a team become mindful of itself. Preserve your leadership potency. Defying the power of a group is futile, even if your analyses and numbers are sound. Your gut will tell you when a meeting or your team is running amuck. Your skill in spotting the “elusive obvious” will help you reach the higher ground of efficient productivity and exponentially increase your competent influence. Stay tuned for the next blog post to discover how to spot conflicts before they happen.