Written by : Lori Figueiredo on Digilah (Tech Thought Leadership)
As we are shaping how we work AND LEARN together with our ecosystem of Stakeholders, a clear set of “rules of engagement” or team rules are needed. This is usually assumed that people are on the same page and not discussed.
This may lead to miscommunication, disagreements and stress as there are likely to be different expectations and/or ways of operating.
Being an agile team that is open to learn, adapt and improve as a daily habit, takes some emotional maturity and adaptability amongst all the team members.
Though a very simple practice or tool, which is to agree on how the team will work and learn together is a basic fundamental which will increase the chances of success as a group.
This is especially true when we bring together a wide variety of Stakeholders from different backgrounds, professions, areas of expertise and functions.
Again, begin with the end in mind – take a moment to imagine NEW possibilities. Imagine creating a safe space that allows you and your various Stakeholders to deliver value to the organization, to each other and to the end customer.
You need to be conscious of your set of conscious AND unconscious assumptions about the possible challenges or areas of friction across the set of individuals in the team.
Let’s explore this a bit more deeply. Our assumptions and thoughts determine our behaviours and results.
We each have certain thinking habits which are patterns we keep repeating. These are the “anchors” which influence our view of the world and the way we interact in the world. These patterns are called our mindset which is based on our past and present experiences (learning and conditioning).
Thinking about our own thinking raises our level of self-awareness. This activity is called Metacognition.
It is a powerful habit to develop. If we are not aware of our mental pictures, we can limit our own success. To help us become more aware, we need to take time out to become conscious of our assumptions and thinking patterns.
A belief is a thought we keep thinking. We can have self-limiting beliefs which block us from progressing. We also have empowering beliefs which enable us to achieve great things and breakthroughs.
To create safe spaces to imagine and create new possibilities while collaborating with others, required conscious positive thinking which will help you develop yourself, your ecosystem as well as improve your collective performance to achieve positive change.
Agreeing on the rules or principles will determine how effective you work and learn together in achieving a positive impact. You may also agree on the forums and the frequency you will use to meet and connect.
Raise and discuss the possible obstacles you may have and ways you can minimize them – from the outset. Finally keep checking in to ensure you are adopting these rules as you go about your day or adapt them – if new ones are required.
Examples of rules could be that “we will…be positive, be open to new ideas and to think out loud as a way to share and generate more ideas”.
Below is one of the rules we have adopted in our Team…whatever we do we must deliver value and have a positive IMPACT. Or if not possible, we would rather do nothing!
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