How to Team
What makes a great team? We’re not talking about the difference between the #1 team and the #99 team, we’re talking about the difference between #1 and #2. We all know of great teams (The New England Patriots, Apple, Calvin & Hobbes, BDW C7, etc), but what makes them great?
What truly separates the good from the great has less to do with talent than you might think.
First let’s define a couple factors required to achieve greatness.
Flow, also known as being in the zone, is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity is fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. It requires that the level of effort involved matches the level of talent within the participating entity. In essence, flow is characterized by complete absorption in what one does — an ecstatic state of being.
Synergy is the creation of a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Synergistic Flow occurs when all parts come together, at a required level of effort that matches the team’s ability, to create, at least for a moment in time, the tangible essence of team — an ecstatic form of team.
Synergistic flow requires that everyone let their guard down and simply be. It requires everyone to recognize their role on the team and embrace it. It’s about giving yourself to the team vs floundering in self-pity or false pride. There is no I in team — and if you suggest there’s a me, there’s also lots of middle manager positions available at McDonald’s.
At the top, everyone has talent. Everyone knows the tricks of the trade. And most everyone is willing to put in the effort. The difference comes down to whether or not your team is willing to give itself up to the greater good of those involved and reach the point of synergistic flow.
One of my favorite inspirational quotes on flourishing comes from Marianne Williamson, a spiritual teacher, author and lecturer:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
Your playing small does not serve the world,
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were all meant to shine as children do.
It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated by our own fears, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Marianne Williamson
Allow yourself to be emotionally and spiritually naked in front of your team. By withholding your authentic self, you’re only hindering the performance of your team. We’re all a little nutty, come be a nut with us.
Do not fear making someone feel insecure about not being as good at something as you are. Everyone has something they’re great at, some simply fail to recognize what makes them so special. Instead of viewing it as belittling others, help others recognize the greatness that exists within them and then dare to be great — together.
When a great team comes together it’s one of the most beautiful things you’ll ever be a part of, and that’s why it’s so rare.
My challenge to you, here forward, is to be the beacon of light, as a team. And when you do, you’ll change the world.
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I am currently a student in BDW’s 50 week program. Check out my work on Behance. Learn more about the BDW program.
