Team-Building

How I use disagreements to build stronger teams

May 10, 2018
For a long time, I have facilitated team problem-solving sessions in the same way. It always feels like a triumph of team process and alignment. Until it suddenly didn’t.

Reach consensus fast

March 20, 2018
If you want 100% consensus before you make a decision, chances are you’ll be waiting a long time. Rather than trying to elicit a “Yes” from every member of your team, follow these steps.

Give groups a chance to gel

February 28, 2018

You want your project team to spring into action, so you tell them what you want and when you want it. Bad idea.

5 ways to build a high-performing team

January 12, 2018

Meshing diverse working styles and personalities harmoniously on a team can be tricky. It takes time to build the right team for the job. But it isn’t just about picking the right people.

Share experience to forge bonds

January 2, 2018

When batting around ideas with a colleague, start by talking about the past rather than the future. Share personal anecdotes, compare notes and see if your experiences align. Once you establish that you’re like-minded, you can build on that common bond to brainstorm.

4 foundations of company culture

December 28, 2017

You see it in business, sports and government: Almost everyone acknowledges that an organization’s culture is essential to its success. To help you see your team’s cultural value proposition in practical terms, break it down into these four practices.

Boost morale with cross-training

November 30, 2017

Abandoning the “aces in their places” strategy where individuals were limited to specialized roles, restaurant manager Robert Conrad enabled everyone to learn from each other and become proficient in a wider range of jobs.

Starbucks’ charity bonded staff

October 13, 2017
Here’s an easy way to make your team come together: Mobilize everyone to donate time and energy to improve their community.

Two stars learn from each other

September 8, 2017
During their first game together on October 12, 1979, legendary star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and dazzling rookie Magic Johnson weren’t sure what to expect from each other. But they found out soon enough.

How one team’s clubhouse design creates bonds

August 10, 2017
The Chicago Cubs’ new Wrigley Field clubhouse is unlike any other in major league baseball because it’s a circle. The unusual shape promotes equality and collaboration.