Building Team

It is a proven adage that we are better together.

Teamwork makes the dream work.

There is no “I” in team.

And so on…

Teamwork is better than rugged individualism or isolation. Even a team of two is an improvement on the strength or ability of one.

But how do we build team when we are all so different in our communication preferences?

How do we make a relationship work when it seems that opposites attract?

Will that work project be successful if I get everyone involved, or will that simply paralyze progress?

Here are a few thoughts on building team:

First, there is a place for everyone, even those who seem to be the most individualistic. In fact, the contribution of the first language Contemplators, Doers, and Responders will almost certainly make the difference between success and failure, even though they are more wired for one-to-one or one-to-none settings.

Second, everyone can adapt to others once they understand that we all speak all seven Life Languages™️. To insist on living only in my primary language is a misunderstanding of my communication preferences or a deficiency of character.

Third, the emotive languages will either be the strength of our team, or its biggest weakness. So we first make room for the Responder’s creativity and passion, with the Influencer’s enthusiasm, inclusiveness and encouragement.

Next, the cognitive languages need space to make a plan (Shaper) early in the team-building process. Because the Shaper’s passion is to lead, those plans will likely include everyone. Equally, the resourcefulness of the Producer will contribute to the plan’s success and manage smaller groups within the team to a fruitful outcome. Next, the Contemplator can be given space to seek deeper knowledge to benefit the team’s goals and plans.

Finally, the kinesthetic languages make the team productive and impactful. The Doer diligently works step by step toward shorter-term goals, while the Mover evaluates the team for potential improvements and courageous adjustments to make everything better.

So, there’s a place for everyone, but you can’t build team backward!

If we start with the Mover’s innovation, then add the Doer’s sensitivity to whether everyone is doing their share, then the Contemplator is likely to withdraw through lack of interest, the Producer will see resources going to waste and seek to control, and the Shaper will criticize the lack of planning! Finally, the Influencer will feel disconnected and escape, while the Responder will feel unheard and misunderstood.

If we incorporate the strengths of each language in turn, with comprehension of what each has to offer, we gain a powerful team.

Let’s do it!