Teamwork and Leadership

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!