Coach B’s Cliff Notes of “The Ideal Team Player”
Book: The Ideal Team Player
Author: Patrick Lencioni
Link to Order: https://amzn.to/4jn7euw
Have you ever heard that one bad apple can spoil the bunch? I think it’s also true that one person can shift workplace culture for the better. This book was a great reminder that with a little clarity and a leader who has good intentions, an organization can turn around their culture, preventing employee turnover (especially of the good ones!)
With my experience, I see it often in teams – they don’t even realize their blind spots or sometimes are unintentionally blaming someone/something of something that’s not fully accurate. That’s what happens when you’re so close to the problem. It helps to step back and really assess the people within an organization.
Here’s what I wish I had known early in my career:
- Everyone’s watching – do your actions align with the words you speak?
- People are your #1 asset. Not your product/service. Not your clients/customers.
- Hiring with a vibe-check can be as important as hiring for skill.
My takeaways from the book:
- Team players should have these 3 characteristics in common: humble, hungry, & smart
- Take caution in assessing each team member before taking drastic action – some are eager for development but don’t know how/what help to ask for
- Do not ignore warning signs or gut feelings
Which really got me thinking…
How often are we quick to judge and assume without diving in?
What pulse checks do companies do on their team’s culture-health?
What would your coworkers say if I asked them to rank you on your strengths in being humble, hungry, and smart?
Who should read this book:
- Anyone in a position where you are hiring or responsible for team culture.
- Any C-suite staff members – a true culture is formed top->down
In summary:
In my line of work, I truly enjoy working with teams to help them slow down and analyze what’s really going on. Maybe all these changes aren’t necessary and some fine-tuning alignment is really all that’s needed. Bringing everyone together for a common goal, creating engagement, and cultivating an environment where people look forward to coming into Sunday evening as they prep for the week ahead.
It’s not as challenging as it seems. Let’s find some time to talk so I can hear what you find challenging within your company!
With empathy and non-judgement,
Coach B
