Over many years as a consultant, trainer, and educator, I have been asked to provide training to build teamwork among employees. I’ve done lots of these training over the years. Recently I had the unexpected experience of working as a team, and this blog will share my surprising learning’s from experience.

This team occurrence was 95% remote – Steve and I worked on the project together, and full disclosure requires me to admit our office proximity was across a hallway. Everyone else involved were in locations throughout America. The project required experts in areas that included judicial culture, judicial leadership, judicial input, IT access and changeability, communication specialists, court executives, and Captivate experts. 

So what made this experience and outcome work so well? Here is my learning:

•    There was an agreed upon vision and outcome

•    Leadership gave support right from the start

•    Everyone involved respected the areas of expertise, and listened to understand        and problem solve

•    The team was excited about the work 

•    Team members truly listened to learn and understand

•    When decisions or changes were made, the reason was known to the team

•    Team members asked questions to ensure clarity and expectation

•    Project management was flexible enough to allow for unanticipated speed     bumps

•    Individual experience and expertise was solicited and valued

•    Confusion or conflict was addressed immediately, without drama

•    The project was fun

•    Team members held each other accountable

•    The team celebrated the collaboration

•    The diversity of age, race, and gender was honored and valued

It’s one thing to teach team building concepts; training certainly has its place and value. It can also be useful to learn by being present in the experience of teamwork and valuing and applying what works.