Paddles, Pirates and the Peloton
We have all been there. Trying to manage a cross-function team that borders on dysfunctional. Dealing with team members who do their own thing, follow their own schedule or view their contribution as minor to the overall success of the project. It’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out, or worse.
Here is a thought, rather than falling back on the old team building clichés such as, “We need to get the ball across the line,” or “It’s time to win the big game,” come up with your own. Draw on your personal history and passions and come up with other scenarios that illustrate the same behaviors and actions needed for the team to succeed. And the more unconventional they are the more the team will remember them. Here are a few I came with.
Paddles
No, I’m not talking about corporal punishment here; think whitewater rafting. The goal when rafting is to stay focused and make it through the rapids safely. Reaching that goal requires teamwork. Everyone paddles together in rhythm to keep the raft on line. The river takes over when that teamwork breaks down. And bad things can happen when the river is in charge.
The same is true with the team. Members need to work together towards the common goal. One person out of sync may not derail the entire project but it certainly will add strain and additional work to the team.
Pirates
Hollywood would have us believe the pirate captain is the de facto leader and makes all the decisions. Research has shown the opposite to actually be true. The captain is the voice of command in the heat of the battle but the entire crew makes all major decisions. Ship mates have a say in everything from which direction to sail to whether they attack a vessel or not.
A cross-functional team should function in a similar fashion. The team leader is the voice of the team but everyone should be i
nvolved in all conclusions. Success is built on every person offering thoughts and opinions. One person making all the decisions will alienate others as well as reduce the opportunities for creative thinking.
Peloton
A race like the Tour de France consists of various stages and types of terrain. One cyclist is crowned champion in the end but it takes a team with different riding abilities to make that happen. Some riders excel at maintaining a steady pace across long, flat sections keeping their leader sheltered from the wind. Others are strong climbers who set tempo and chase down any potential threats in the mountains. In the end every rider plays a critical role in the success of the team.
Members of a project team can be viewed the same way. Each participant brings unique values and abilities to the team. Those skills are critical to the success of the project. The team can’t win when members are just along for the ride and don’t think they bring any value.
Hopefully those give you the general idea. Have fun with it. Break out of the mold. Most people know what it takes to create a successful team but perhaps have lost focus over the years. Changing the story but not the lesson may just get them to perk up.
In the meantime feel free to walk into your next team meeting and question why everyone is not paddling, ask who is riding tempo today, or just simply shout out, “Arg, ye maties, arg.” You will certainly get their attention and hopefully increase the success of the team.
