Greetings from snowbound Fort Worth!

Last week we were discussing how successful teams behave.  What if our team does not exhibit those traits, what can we do then?

As a leader, there is much we can do:

• We can help build trust by showing that we are vulnerable and creating an environment where vulnerability is no punished if handled correctly.
• We can encourage the correct handling of conflictive situations by being a role model of how to handle them.  If conflict can be productive and necessary, we should not avoid it, but should handle it with professionalism and integrity.
• To build commitment a leader must be willing to be the one that makes the decision that may ultimately turn out to be wrong.  The leader must be more than a team-member, he/she must be the one that closes the issues.
• If the leader expects team members to be accountable for their actions, he/she must be willing to be the one who dispenses discipline when necessary - even if disciplining him/herself.
• Finally, if we want attention to be focused on results, then we as leaders must be the first ones to exhibit that behavior.  We must show that is where our focus lies and that rewards and recognition go to those who achieve results.

“Everyone has a purpose in Life – a unique gift or talent… and when we blend this unique talent with service to others, we experience the ecstasy and exultation of all goals.” - Deepak Chopra