You may be well past “Hello, my name is” but how well do you really know your team? Building a truly connected team requires understanding each other’s thinking and communication styles, strengths, and even quirks.
Take the following three action steps to dive deeper than “Hello”:
How do your team members re-energize and think best? Is Joe an introvert who needs space to mull things over before joining the fray, or is he an extrovert who fuels his creative engine by bouncing ideas off others? Understanding your team member’s process – their preferred “idea incubator” and what energizes them – can help you tap into their brilliance in the most effective way.
How do you determine a team member’s Energy Source? Ask. Not abruptly or out of the blue. During a conversation, start by sharing how you think best! This encourages reciprocal sharing, deeper understanding and helps strengthen your relationship.
And don’t assume. Maya may be overtly outgoing and able to strike up a conversation with anyone but that doesn’t always indicate that she thinks best out loud with others.
Is Chloe reserved and slower to reveal emotion and opinions? Is Liam outgoing and quick to volunteer his ideas? Figuring out your team member’s communication style can unlock new levels of teamwork and understanding. Observe and adapt. Pay attention to team members’ verbal and nonverbal cues; their tone, body language, and even emoji choices can offer clues to their communication style.
Open communication is key. Talk to your team members! Express your interest in understanding their preferences and finding ways to communicate effectively together. Learning to appreciate and work with each team member’s unique way of communicating can enrich your team dynamic.
We all shine in different ways. Amanda’s an organization whiz? Maybe she can help streamline your project workflow. Is she an expert at messaging? Invite her to give your next pitch a polish. Recognizing and utilizing each other’s strengths is what makes a team truly unstoppable.
Most measurable personality traits are linked to four brain systems – the serotonin, dopamine, testosterone and estrogen systems. All of us have each of the four systems. We are not a single personality “type.” It’s the intensities, our individual mix of high scores – and lower scores – that comprise our unique personality and make us who we are.
Here are just a few of the traits linked to the following brain systems:
Remember that everyone has each of the four brain systems. You’ll probably see certain trait groups that really resonate with you. That doesn’t mean that you never display traits related to the other brain systems. It just means that traits linked to one or more of the other brain systems play a larger role in your overall approach. The same is true for your team members.
Embrace the diversity. Different styles bring different strengths to the table. After all, a team full of Joes would be, well, a little Joey, wouldn’t it? Your team members aren’t just colleagues, they’re hidden resources. Leverage everyone’s strengths for team wins!
Remember: This is just a starting point. The value of getting to know your team members lies in the unique discoveries you make along the way and using that information to interact more effectively. So, unlock the hidden gems within your team, starting with Joe, and watch your collaboration soar!
You may be well past “Hello, my name is” but how well do you really know your team? Building a truly connected team requires understanding each other’s thinking and communication styles, strengths, and even quirks.
Take the following three action steps to dive deeper than “Hello.”