Everyone enjoys being part of a team that clicks. It just feels good. But building solid teamwork takes effort — and starts with what comes out of your mouth.
Building teamwork often takes leaders who are team players, too. That’s not always natural. Acting like a team player requires managers to change their thinking away from assuming they’re always right. “At least one person in the relationship chooses to bridge the gap of their differences,” said Katie McCleary, co-author of “Bridge the Gap” with Jennifer Edwards. “They choose to listen, ask questions and explore new thinking instead of becoming suspicious, defensive or stuck in the past.”
To be sure, some teams rally behind know-it-all visionary leaders. But that’s the exception, not the rule, says McCleary, founder of 916 Ink, a nonprofit that helps vulnerable youths.
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