All of us want to be part of a team that is successful, accomplishes goals, and gets things done. But a MAKE IT HAPPEN team culture is only possible if we, as individuals and leaders, are truly committed to do our part in helping create that team culture.
So here are 15 keys I've found for how each of us can contribute to that end.
1. Your yes is yes, and your no is no. Do what you said you will do.
2. You take responsibility before being told.
3. Solve problems, and create solutions. Always. Instead of creating problems and delaying solutions.
4. Show up early. for everything. As I tell our team: if you are early, you're on time. If you're on time, you're late.
5. Always leave meetings with action items and clear next steps.
6. No blaming others.
7. Place a priority on execution, not concepting. Moving always towards completion and the finish line, vs just another idea.
8. Create small nimble teams who work together- no more than 3 people on a project.
9. Clear lines of authority distributed throughout the organization, and always directly connected to responsibility AND authority.
10. Encourage working together. Constantly create a collaborative spirit and environment.
11. Model a high trust factor. I have to admit- this one is difficult for me. The "I'll just do it myself" mentality doesn't help....
12. Consistent "leaning in" posture and spirit- want to learn, always get better, and constantly improve.
13. The Leader leads. Whoever the organizational/team leader is- they have to model all of these- leader leads on all of these. Walk the walk and talk the talk.
14. Permeates from the bottom up. A make it happen team may have a strong alpha leader, but if the team fears but doesn't respect that leader, it won't work. Bottom up means mutual respect across the organization.
15. Meetings are the exception, not the norm. Meetings for meetings sake are killing most organizations. Only schedule a meeting if you absolutely have to. And nothing wrong with that. But quick stand up meetings, hall run ins, and collaborative conversations I've found to be way more productive.
What would you add to this list of keys you've found in Make it Happen team cultures?