Whilst engaged in some team building a team leader approached me with this question:
“Do you think that I will ever be able to get everyone on the same page?”
I was intrigued by his question so asked him what he meant by the same page. He described a scenario whereby ideally he wanted all of those in his team to ‘get what he gets!’. As he continued to speak I realised the error in this leader’s way of thinking. Ultimately what he desires is for everyone to do what he wants them to do. The page he is speaking about is in fact, HIS page. He is asking why is everyone not on MY page.
Now there needs to be a page, that’s for sure. But it certainly can’t be yours alone. The page represents a place whereby whatever it is you do together is working to its optimum potential. The optimum potential of a team is equal to the sum of all of the potential of the individuals in the team. Leaders then need to move away from ‘telling’ their teams about a page but rather involve them in becoming part of the page.
As we spoke I encouraged him to get used to the fact that diversity creates tension. Tension can go two ways. Toward conflict or toward innovation. He gets to choose which path he wants to take and then act accordingly.
The answer to the first question then is yes. Yes, you will be able to get everyone on the same page. It all depends on your method.
Step 1: Let go of what you think the page should look like
Step 2: Involve others in creating the page sharing your perspective and inviting the perspectives of others.
Step 3: Allow moments of tension and choose to see the potential amidst the tension
Step 4: Act
Step 5: Continuously dialogue as you go.
Then step back and enjoy a page that doesn’t just look and feel like you, but is a result of what is around you. Perhaps this new page will be even more awesome than the page you so eagerly fought for on your own?
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Travis Gale has spent the last 5 years running his own development business in South Africa’s corporate world and is currently involved in various long term partnerships with clients across a number of industries. Furthermore he has travelled to conferences internationally hunting down latest trends and insights. Having cycled around the world and survived a tsunami, his passion for crossing borders often lends itself to an interesting blend of stories and insight. He sees himself as a ‘change catalyst’ and displays strength in facilitating insight into the right spaces. Find out more at www.appletreelive.com