Individuality and group thinking

(By Henry Cloud, from a Facebook post)

Great discussion with a board chairman today about the tendency of small groups of people (like a board, or other teams) to get into a kind of "group think" where individuality of opinion is lost. We have a tendency to kind of "go along," if a few people are thinking in a certain way, especially if they are "strong" personalities or have a position of authority.

But....we each have been created with a brain, experiences and abilities that we bring that are valuable to add to the conversation. That is the reason there is a group! But the power of the group can sweep us up and we lose our separateness.

I was thinking also of how this can happen in other relationships, where someone does not feel enough safety or permission, sometimes even inside, to just say an opinion. Over time, a person can lose themselves by not speaking up.

Think of places where you might not show up with your opinions or thoughts. In a work team? A friendship? A spiritual relationship? A close relationship? Ask yourself why not? If your first thought is "because they......" then get back in touch with your individuality and brains, and show up. They need your opinion!

Also, at some time other than the scary discussion, talk about the issue itself. Say, "sometimes when we discuss things, I find myself not saying what I really think or believe or feel because I am afraid of your reaction. I would like to talk about how to feel more free to just say things to each other (or in this team)."

Good things can happen when you begin to talk!

Gordon MacDonald on Leadership

“I have been broken so badly (in leadership) it is a wonder the pieces ever got put back together again. You have a choice you must make every day. Most people will choose to deny the pain or blame others, or you can accept it and in the middle of that pain, you can listen to God. He will say things to you He could not say under any other circumstances.” -- Gordon MacDonald at Germany WCA Conference.

Citado por Peter Scazzero no FB.

A Arte de Negociar

Excelente entrevista na Época Negócios: Wiliam Ury sobre a arte de negociar.

Para ler a entrevista clique aqui.

Have you evaluated the heart of your team members lately? (Barry Werner)

Source: Barry Werner

Leaders must make it clear what it takes to be part of their team. Read Matthew 8:18-22.

As Jesus’ popularity throughout Israel grew, many people wanted to join His team—become one of His disciples. Jesus made it clear that to become a member of His team, individuals would have to be more devoted to Him than to personal comfort or even family approval. One way He screened those who wanted to be on His team was to test their level of commitment to Him and to the kingdom. Jesus never begged anyone to follow Him and He always issued tough challenges to potential followers. In fact, Jesus at times openly evaluated His followers to insure where they stood.

Every effective leader knows that a team can accomplish more than an individual. To function well a team must be committed to a common vision and purpose. Even though teams by nature require specialists, team members must be willing to work in unity for the emprovement of the whole rather than only personal advancement. Good team members are willing to combine their strengths to help one another succeed personally, benefit the organization, and honor God’s plan for interaction between people.

Have you evaluated the heart of your team members lately? Have you looked at their motivation for being on the team? Has selfish ambition replaced team synergism? Have you evaluated your own actions; are you doing everything you can to foster team spirit and mutual respect for each other? Team members’ commitment to the cause, the leader, and to each other is critical to an organization’s success.

Como gerar franqueza nas equipes?

Como gerar franqueza/transparência em um ambiente de respeito e segurança emocional?
1. Ensinar o conceito: liberdade para comunicar com líderes ou liderados
2. Criar a "hora da lavanderia": dia e hora em que qualquer pessoa pode dizer a alguém ou à equipe algo que discorda ou que acha que está errado ou precisa mudar
3. Ensinar a importância da assertividade e discutir como podemos vivê-la

Um Case Baseado em Acidentes Aéreos

No capítulo 7 de "Fora de Série: Outliers", de Malcolm Gladwell, há um excelente case sobre mudança cultural dentro de uma organização, baseado no "Índice de Distância do Poder" (IDP). O capítulo mostra como os acidentes de avião podem ser mais frequentes em culturas nas quais há forte noção de hierarquia.

Lições: nivelar a liberdade de comunicação entre membros e equipe; aprender a ser franco e direto, e ainda assim, respeitoso.