Teamwork. When teams are productive, the results can be almost magical. At best, team members take turns bringing good ideas, polishing old ones, helping one another think.
I left class today wondering how well the class teams are "gelling." I know I can't see it all - there could easily be problems under the surface. What is my role in all this?
As I write this I wonder if, once again, I am failing to "practice what I preach." Today we talked about the myth of the "almighty leader" - the idea that a leader-hero can solve all problems. We discussed the complexity of adaptive problems and the power (and tenacity) of a system. "The leader can only solve problems on his/her own," I suggested, "when the problems are technical - when the leader knows the answers."
Team success, however, requires adaptation. Team adaptation. People must learn to build a common vision, design a team process, and share information productively. People must learn to trust one another and encourage one another. It's hard work. I cannot solve team problems on my own any more than I can "make" someone learn.
So what should I do? Should I let it go? Leave people to their own devices? Hope for the best?
As I write this blog I realize that leaving people to their own devices would represent an abdication of leadership. So no - I probably shouldn't ignore any warning bells. What I probably should do is bring this to the balcony. The class as a whole could embrace one more opportunity for leadership. One more chance to use the class as a laboratory for real life.
Note to self: Next balcony (a.k.a. class) we examine teamwork! And perhaps... who was it that offered moderation services? Negotiators and moderators, you're about to take on a new project!
I left class today wondering how well the class teams are "gelling." I know I can't see it all - there could easily be problems under the surface. What is my role in all this?
As I write this I wonder if, once again, I am failing to "practice what I preach." Today we talked about the myth of the "almighty leader" - the idea that a leader-hero can solve all problems. We discussed the complexity of adaptive problems and the power (and tenacity) of a system. "The leader can only solve problems on his/her own," I suggested, "when the problems are technical - when the leader knows the answers."
Team success, however, requires adaptation. Team adaptation. People must learn to build a common vision, design a team process, and share information productively. People must learn to trust one another and encourage one another. It's hard work. I cannot solve team problems on my own any more than I can "make" someone learn.
So what should I do? Should I let it go? Leave people to their own devices? Hope for the best?
As I write this blog I realize that leaving people to their own devices would represent an abdication of leadership. So no - I probably shouldn't ignore any warning bells. What I probably should do is bring this to the balcony. The class as a whole could embrace one more opportunity for leadership. One more chance to use the class as a laboratory for real life.
Note to self: Next balcony (a.k.a. class) we examine teamwork! And perhaps... who was it that offered moderation services? Negotiators and moderators, you're about to take on a new project!
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