Posted By Richard on November 23, 2009

Last Wednesday I had the great challenge and opportunity to work with Drake University to strengthen their team. (I want to thank all the participants for being great sports!) There was a great variation in the departments and job duties attending this session. But one thing is certain: we learned a lot about ourselves and who Team Drake is.

I believe two keys things came from our two hours together:

We are not all that different than the person working clear across campus.

Think about it: a struggle you’re having in your life, someone else in your company may have already encountered that obstacle. It doesn’t have to be work specific. It be anything from divorce, sending a kid to college for the first time, having financial difficulties or being the only person in your department that refuses to read Harry Potter (yes, that is me!).

Of course we are all unique and I’m not diminishing that – but more importantly – we are all very similar. It is important as we work on our teams and in our offices to remember that despite our many differences, there is more that unites us together.

Relationships are important.

It is constantly said in motivational speeches and personal development books, but especially in teams where you are bound to spend 40+ hours per week with the same group of people, that having strong relationships is key. I don’t disagree.

The reason it is so important is that because of the closeness and interdependence on each other, we must have a strong – and if not strong – at least a positive working relationship with everyone on our team. That doesn’t mean they are your best friends. It means having the ability and openness to be able to discuss issues, present ideas, and still be friendly at the coffee machine later in the day.

When we have a certain level of friendliness and friendship with those on our team, we are much more likely to be strong team members and be an over stronger team.

So What?

No matter if it is an actual “team” or just your co-workers, it is vitally important to remember who similar we all are and that by building and maintaining positive relationships, our teams and ultimately our lives are strengthened.\

(Flickr photo via Tom Leuntjens)

Related posts:

1. Fix Your Relationship
2. Friendly Business
3. More Thoughts on E-Mail Management

Categories: Business, Education, Life, Personal Development
Tags: attitude, Business, Education, meetings, Personal Development, relationships, Team Building