Posts

,

What is the Norming Stage?

This article is the fourth in a six-part series on the team life cycle.

The Norming Stage: Cultivating Collaboration and Cohesion in the Team Life Cycle

As leaders, we play a vital role in guiding our teams through the various stages of the team life cycle. One crucial phase that follows the Storming Stage is the Norming Stage. This stage is characterized by the development of a sense of unity, collaboration, and a shared understanding of roles and goals within the team.

What is the Norming Stage in the Team Life Cycle?

The Norming Stage is the third stage of the team life cycle, where the team starts to work cohesively as a unit. During this stage, conflicts from the Storming Stage are resolved, and team members establish a sense of trust and mutual respect. They begin to understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and preferred working styles. This stage is crucial for building strong relationships and fostering an environment where collaboration thrives.

Take your leadership to the next level

Upgrade your leadership skills with our online courses.

Key Characteristics of the Norming Stage

During the Norming Stage, several key characteristics emerge within the team:

  1. Collaboration and Communication: Team members actively collaborate and communicate with one another. They exchange ideas, offer support, and share information openly. This collaborative environment promotes creativity, innovation, and problem-solving.
  2. Cohesion and Trust: Trust among team members is strengthened during this stage. Individuals rely on one another and feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. There is a sense of unity and a shared commitment to achieving common goals.
  3. Defined Roles and Goals: Roles and goals become clearer and more defined in the Norming Stage. Team members have a better understanding of their responsibilities and how they contribute to the overall success of the team. This clarity helps minimize confusion and maximize productivity.

Strategies for Leaders during the Norming Stage

To capitalize on the positive dynamics of the Norming Stage and foster collaboration and cohesion, leaders can employ the following strategies:

  1. Maintaining Open Communication: Encourage and facilitate ongoing communication among team members. Foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. Regular team meetings, feedback sessions, and open-door policies can promote transparent and effective communication.
  2. Promoting a Culture of Support: Emphasize the importance of supporting one another. Encourage team members to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences. Promote a culture of mentorship, where more experienced members assist those who are new or less experienced. This support helps build trust and enhances collaboration.
  3. Celebrating Diversity: Recognize and value the diverse strengths, perspectives, and backgrounds within the team. Encourage team members to embrace their individuality and contribute their unique insights. By fostering an inclusive environment, leaders can unlock the team’s full potential and encourage innovative thinking.
  4. Providing Opportunities for Skill Development: Offer training, workshops, or opportunities for professional growth. Investing in the development of team members’ skills not only enhances their individual capabilities but also strengthens the overall competency of the team. This focus on continuous improvement keeps the team motivated and engaged.

Progressing through the Team Life Cycle: Storming to Norming

The Norming Stage marks an important milestone in the team life cycle, paving the way for the subsequent stages: Performing and Adjourning. In the Performing Stage, the team reaches its peak performance, delivering high-quality results consistently. The Adjourning Stage signifies the completion of the team’s objectives and the disbandment of the team.

By effectively navigating the Storming Stage and transitioning into the Norming Stage, we create a solid foundation for continued success. Collaboration, cohesion, and a shared understanding of roles and goals fuel the team’s progress, leading to enhanced performance and productivity.

Conclusion: Embracing the Norming Stage for Team Success

Understanding the Norming Stage in the team life cycle is crucial for leaders seeking to cultivate a collaborative and cohesive team. By maintaining open communication, promoting support and diversity, and providing opportunities for skill development, we can harness the positive dynamics of this stage and propel their teams toward higher levels of performance and success.

Embrace the Norming Stage as a springboard for growth, fostering an environment where collaboration thrives, and individual strengths are valued. By doing so, we can optimize team performance, achieve remarkable outcomes, and navigate the team life cycle with confidence.

Contact Us

Reach out to the team to book a consult.

/0 Comments/by
, , , ,

What is the Storming Stage?

This article is the third in a six-part series on the team life cycle.

Navigating the Storming Stage: Fostering Collaboration and Resolving Conflict

In the journey of every team, there comes a stage where opinions clash, tensions arise, and conflicts emerge. This stage, known as the Storming Stage, is a crucial part of the team life cycle. As leaders, it is vital for us to understand the dynamics of this stage and guide our teams through it with patience and tact.

What is the Storming Stage?

The Storming Stage, which is the second stage in the team life cycle, involves team members expressing their opinions and ideas. Consequently, conflicts and tension often arise within the team. As individuals become more comfortable in their roles and assert their viewpoints, disagreements may surface regarding approaches to tasks and power dynamics. Therefore, it is crucial for leaders to understand the underlying causes of these conflicts in order to effectively address them and foster a collaborative environment.

Key Considerations for Leaders during the Storming Stage

To navigate the Storming Stage effectively and transform conflicts into opportunities for growth, leaders should focus on the following strategies:

  1. Facilitating Open Communication: Encourage team members to openly express their ideas, concerns, and viewpoints. Moreover, actively listen to each individual and ensure that their perspectives are heard and acknowledged. By creating a safe space for communication, we can foster trust and transparency within the team.
  2. Promoting Constructive Conflict Resolution: Conflict is inevitable during the Storming Stage, but it can be channeled toward positive outcomes. Encourage team members to address conflicts in a constructive manner, focusing on the issues rather than personal attacks. Facilitate discussions where conflicting viewpoints are explored, and resolutions are reached through collaboration and compromise.
  3. Establishing Common Goals: Revisit and clarify the team’s goals and objectives to ensure that everyone is aligned. By reiterating the shared purpose, we can help team members redirect their focus from individual agendas toward collective success. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and highlight how collaboration benefits the entire team.
  4. Providing Support and Guidance: As leaders, it is essential to provide support and guidance to team members during this challenging stage. Be approachable and available for discussions and problem-solving. Offer guidance on conflict resolution techniques and provide resources or training if necessary. By showing empathy and understanding, we can build stronger relationships and create an environment where conflicts can be resolved effectively.

The Path Forward: Progressing through the Team Life Cycle

Navigating the Storming Stage is a significant milestone on the journey toward a high-performing team. Successfully overcoming conflicts and building a culture of collaboration sets the stage for the subsequent stages of the team life cycle: Norming, Performing, and Adjourning.

Conclusion – The Storming Stage

Understanding and effectively managing the Storming Stage is crucial for leaders who aspire to build strong and successful teams. By facilitating open communication, promoting constructive conflict resolution, establishing common goals, and providing support and guidance, leaders can navigate through this stage with confidence. Embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the Storming Stage will set the foundation for a high-performing team that can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable results.

Contact Us

Reach out to the team to book a consult.

/0 Comments/by
,

Am I Self-Sabotaging? How To Tell and How To Stop

A frustrating day on the job can leave you wondering why things are so difficult. You might even wonder if you’re causing your own problems. Do you ever ask yourself, “Do I self-sabotage? Do I put myself in situations where I’m set up for failure?”

Self-sabotage is common, and for some, it’s a behavior and habit that’s hard to ignore, especially when it contributes to not achieving your goals or enjoying a happy, healthy lifestyle.

What Is Self-Sabotage?

You may realize you’re playing a part in your frustration or lack of progress, but you don’t have a name for it. Self-sabotage occurs when you create an obstacle that impacts your ability to reach a goal you’ve set. Some of the most common behaviors that could be classified as self-sabotage include:

  • Self-medication using alcohol or drugs
  • Procrastinating to accomplish tasks
  • Self-injury
  • Comfort eating
  • Making projects or tasks more complicated than they should be
  • Not taking action right away

Many people don’t recognize self-sabotaging behavior in themselves. But you may see the connection between your actions and behavior and the outcome over time. You might think, “If only I would have done it this way” or “I have to stop this!”

 

Want to achieve your full potential?

Reinvent Yourself Today!

Signs of Self-Sabotage: What Are They and How to Spot Them

Recognizing potential signs of self-sabotage can help you make better choices. If you’re actually engaging in self-sabotaging behavior, you can learn how to make changes to minimize negative outcomes. Here are some of the most common signs of self-sabotage:

Walking Away From a Problem

Some people become frustrated and give up instead of trying to determine what went wrong. This often means all the effort you put into a project is wasted. Look back on what happened. Did you put in the effort and follow the plan? Doubts about your ability could be a core reason you’re so willing to walk away instead of working on a solution.

Negative Self-Talk

One of the most common signs of self-sabotage is how you talk about yourself or the words you use when thinking about yourself. For example, statements such as “I don’t deserve this” or “I’m so stupid” often indicate a lack of faith and confidence.

Blaming Others

Quite commonly, people who self-sabotage blame others for what went wrong. It could be no one’s fault, but those who engage in this type of behavior often find someone to blame. Not being able to recognize your role in the situation and make healthier, better decisions in the future just repeats the pattern of poor outcomes.

Procrastination

Putting things off until the last minute is a type of self-sabotage. You might push a task or project to the side and look for other things that seem more important, or you may reach for anything as a distraction to avoid a difficult decision. Procrastination can be a sign of stress or worry, but it may also be a sign of doubting your ability or being unable to manage time wisely. Self-discipline isn’t an inborn trait; it’s a learned skill.

Boredom and Lack of Focus

In some situations, self-sabotage occurs for a very simple reason: You’re bored. You don’t like what you’re doing, it’s not intellectually or emotionally stimulating, and you can’t focus on it. It could be that you find someone on your team annoying. Maybe they’re pushing your buttons or not contributing, or maybe the task is just dull and boring. Regardless, not getting it done often means you’re self-sabotaging because you won’t finish the job or do it well.

How to Stop Self-Sabotaging

If you recognize any of these signs of self-sabotage, take a step back. You can fix this, and you can learn to master your ability to work through difficult situations to create a better outcome. Consider these strategies:

Stop Criticizing Yourself

Self-criticism doesn’t have an easy fix, but it’s critical to minimize it if you want to reach your long-term goals. Instead of saying or thinking negative things, spin them around into something good. You may want to say, “I am so bad at this.” Instead, say, “I don’t have the skills yet, but I’ll figure it out.”

Get More Confidence Through Education

In some cases, you’re unable to reach a goal because you lack the skills. Change that. Find a way to increase your skills, such as through a leadership course, or invest in a program that focuses on building confidence.

Master Procrastination-Busting Skills

It’s easier said than done, especially when your mind is going in numerous directions at one time. But stopping self-sabotage is all about becoming self-aware. When you notice yourself becoming distracted, stop, reflect, and get back on track. Use timers to help you zone in for a specific period to accomplish tasks. Stop thinking about what you have to do and force yourself to do it. It is possible to change your habits.

Build Confidence in Yourself

Imposter syndrome, as defined by Psychology Today, is often a form of self-sabotage. It’s the feeling that you can’t possibly do the job that only other people do, or that you’re a fake, a pretender. When you don’t feel the confidence to complete the project, manage the team, or run the business, ask yourself why. Do you need more training and development? Do you have evidence of past success that should spur confidence in your ability now? Remind yourself every day of what you’ve already accomplished.

Invest in Yourself to Overcome Limitations

Ask yourself this question and jot down the answer. “Do I self-sabotage?” If you’re setting yourself up for failure, identify the specific behaviors and change them for the better.

At The Eighth Mile, we offer solutions to help you reinvent yourself and achieve a better outcome. If you’re self-sabotaging, isn’t it about time to try something different? Reach out to us today and learn more about your best path forward.

Contact Us

Reach out to the team to book a consult.

/0 Comments/by
,

‘Flow Like Water’​: Bypassing Obstructionism

When I joined the Australian Army as an Officer Cadet in 2006, my goals were to:

  • Lead soldiers into battle,
  • Positively influence their lives, and
  • Make a positive difference in the world.

Throughout my time in the military my understanding of successful leadership techniques has dramatically evolved from a rigid, authoritative and top-down approach to a more inclusive, group-influenced and adaptive approach. But more importantly my approach to problem solving and decision making is what has potentially evolved the most, and that is what I would like to discuss in this paper.

I once read a book by a late Chinese militarist and philosopher named Sun Tzu, his most famous work being ‘The Art of War’, written to provide context to war and conflict. Originally written to consolidate some of the constants that define war, a large number of its themes can be applied to modern environments, organisations and situations. I found that one particular selection of his quotes stood apart from the rest:

“Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards. Water shapes its course according to the nature of the ground over which it flows; the soldier works out his victory in relation to the foe whom he is facing. Therefore, just as water retains no constant shape, so in warfare there are no constant conditions.”

– Sun Tzu –

This collection of references has colloquially been referred to, or summarised, as Sun Tzu’s ‘flow like water’ and is often loosely referred to in conversations everywhere. What is of particular relevance from this quote is its application to problem solving.

Throughout my life, I have observed leaders, managers and decision makers preach and assess others against throw away terms such as: flexibility, adaptability, initiative and effectiveness, however I personally do not believe that many individuals fully reach their potential in these areas, not through a lack of trying, but through a lack of awareness.

BYPASS OBSTRUCTIONISM

To apply Sun Tzu’s concept of ‘flow like water’ to problem solving we must first apply its relevance to our modern context by drawing a number of constants. Suppose, that an obstacle, hurdle or obstruction (or worse yet an obstructionist!) is likened to a rock within a flowing stream. Suppose further, that water (under Sun Tzu’s concept) is ever moving, constantly changing and reshaping, and is heading in one direction.

Every one of us has encountered a number of obstructionists throughout our own experiences. Characterised as that one irritable individual who has an inability to think laterally, who begins group conversations with ‘that can’t be done’, and lives happily in a world self-defined by boundaries and corporate governance. In the past I have likened such individuals to the’ Vogon Constructor Fleet’ from Douglas Adam’s ‘Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy;’ an officious group of aliens responsible for maintaining the bureaucratic processes of the universe, with no regard for innovation. Please note, when I refer to obstructionists, I do not refer to bureaucratic styled professions, in fact, adaptive thinkers within such job categories have the ability to transform whole organisations by streamlining processes and cutting red tape. I refer primarily to individuals who have turned to the dark side. A team of obstructionists can often lead to toxic relationships, and without fail will hamper an organisation or team’s competitive edge, particularly when delivering projects.

Leaders must be able to identify obstructionists, acknowledge their concerns, and then bypass them in order to ensure that momentum is maintained on overall task/project success. Many a leader has become unstuck by becoming bogged down in obstructionist detail, whilst losing oversight of the original task and purpose. In the Army a term known as ‘marking and bypassing’ is used to explain a procedure by which a team identifies an issue on the battlefield which is outside their scope and capability. This team will then promptly mark it and pass the responsibility to other more specialist teams in depth as opposed to dwelling on the problem. This term can also be applied to explain the process of identifying an obstacle in the workplace, marking its existence and then bypassing it in order to complete the task in time, on budget, and within specifications.

DEVELOP A POSITIVE CULTURE WHICH REJECTS OBSTRUCTIONISM

It is one thing to be able to apply Sun Tzu’s, ‘flow like water’ to your own practices, but how does one influence a team to apply the same forward-leaning, positive approach to problem solving?

Employ the right type of people

If organisations intend to recruit individuals long-term then employ those people that are right for ‘a task’, not necessarily ‘the task’. This meaning, that organisations need to ensure the longevity of their investment (their people), and ensure that when Project A is finalised, the same person might be able to easily transition onto Project B which might have an entirely different scope, stakeholder contribution and design. This is the true meaning of ‘flexibility’ when referring to planning. In practical terms, this might mean that organisations make an assessment on an individual’s potential as opposed to their qualifications. This might also mean that individuals are assessed on whether they are likely to fit the culture of the organisation based on personality, approach to problem solving, and their work ethic. If you have obstructionists in your team, find a way to negate their effects, re-train them, re-assign them (to a better suited role), or worse case remove them completely.

Publicly encourage adaptive and ‘out of the box’ thinking

Leaders must always encourage adaptive thinking by individuals who demonstrate initiative. Ideas and concepts from staff are simply that, nothing more, nothing less – it’s not personal! Furthermore, leaders must be able to identify those contributions that are obstructionist versus those that are complimentary or constructive to the planning process. Positive contributions must be acknowledged publicly to the entire team, and similarly, obstructionism must be identified and as such bypassed or negated. Just remember, you do not need to use everyone’s contributions, but you do need to acknowledge its existence and intent.

Leaders must take risks and accept responsibility

Leaders must apply the principle of ‘risk versus return’. A team which consistently adapts, evolves and adjusts to changing conditions needs to take risks in order to maintain pace with competitors. This ultimately results in higher risk for mistakes. Good leaders must accept the full responsibility for their team’s mistakes, and in return they will receive greater followership and continued involvement from their team. Remember, never blame your team! Also, a successful leader does not blame other areas or departments in order to shift blame and make a common enemy. The most successful leaders I have seen have demonstrated humility and have gone to extensive efforts to provide context as to why other teams within their organisation have made their decisions. Word travels quickly, and this positive gesture may be returned to your team at a later date.

Train your team to be able to plan in the absence of information

Successful and adaptive teams are those that get ahead of the game. They demonstrate the ability to plan in the absence of all the information. They make experience based assumptions that allow them to get to further stages of planning. These assumptions are then either confirmed or denied concurrently, or in subsequent stages of planning. In any case, the team maintains its momentum in the correct general direction. Obstructionists by their nature, feel extremely uncomfortable planning without all the information, and can be seen using it as a means to hamper/halt the planning process – do not let this happen!

In summary, do not be a Vogon! If people provide you with constructive ideas, first think how that information may practicably be utilised to better your cause, or your organisation. If you identify obstructionists, mark and bypass them, to find another way to win, and do not get caught in their detail. Remember, there is always a way to reach an end-state, it might just take a zig-zag path around multiple obstacles to reach it.

Flow like water – Avoiding obstructionism

We have taken many of these lessons and incorporated them into The Eighth Mile Consulting.

/4 Comments/by