On Thursday, January 26 the BEST Project launched the first class of the BEST Leadership Institute (BLI) for individuals interested in leadership roles in the nonprofit sector. There are currently 19 people in BLI. The theme for the two-day Retreat was Team Playing. Why is effective team playing important to leadership (in the nonprofit sector or any other sector for that matter)? My thoughts…
Team playing is an accountability mechanism. No man is an island, as they say; every decision that is made within an organization impacts individuals as well as the collective system. The ability to consciously think about the impact of small and big decisions on everyone involved in the organization requires intentionality and a willingness to listen (to both what is being said and for what is not being said). As a leader, this is not necessarily about making everyone happy but making sure everyone is heard.
Team playing is critical to effective partnerships. In an environment where sectorwide and cross-sector (nonprofit, government, business) collaboration is essential to have lasting impact, means being able to play on another team within the agreed upon rules. Partnerships often fail when one or more of the participants view themselves in isolation rather than as part of a collective “team” effort.
Team playing makes our work easier. Yes, it can be that simple. Working with a team that plays well together makes work easier because it creates an environment of mutual respect, accountability and support.
And, yes, team playing can mean having fun with your colleagues/peers/etc.. This can take many different forms from formal team building/experiential learning exercises to impromptu activities in the workplace.
Interested in assessing your Team Playing skills, check out the Leadership Effectiveness Analysis (LEA) at http://www.mrg.com/Products/LEA_360.asp.
To learn more about this topic, check out:
- Project Adventure – http://www.pa.org/
- Play – http://www.stuartbrownmd.com/
- What Role Does Business Communication Play in Your Day-to-Day Activities at Work? -http://smallbusiness.chron.com/role-business-communication-play-day-to-day-activities-work-128.html
- The Serious Business of Play – http://sloanreview.mit.edu/the-magazine/2005-fall/47106/the-serious-business-of-play/
- Play, Creativity, And Lifelong Learning: Why Play Matters For Both Kids And Adults -http://helpguide.org/life/creative_play_fun_games.htm
