3 Obstacles That Often Derail Leaders From Building A Strong Team

My favourite group aka. band, is Coldplay. I love them. I saw them in concert years ago and it was even better than I imagined.

What I also love is that Chris Martin, the lead singer, looks like he’s having fun!

From my perspective, he seems to go off script often, but it doesn’t impact the performance negatively, as a matter of fact, it adds to it. His band members appear to expect it and because of that, they prepare for it and just go with the flow of it.

It’s beautiful.

It’s a lot like creating a strong and dynamic team!

At the core of any organization’s success is an effective collaboration of diverse team members. A leader's ability to identify, harness, and align these varying strengths within a team can be the difference between mere survival and thriving success.

7 Ways to Building an Unstoppable Team

I’m going to share with you some smart ways to build an unstoppable team, where working together is key, and everyone's unique abilities add up to something great.

1. Identify Individual Strengths

• What to Do: Use assessments or team discussions to identify each team member’s unique strengths.

• Why It Works: By understanding what each person brings to the table, you can assign roles that play to their strengths, boosting productivity and morale.

2. Create a Collaborative Culture

Creating organizational excellence requires identifying individual strengths

• What to Do: Encourage open communication, celebrate collective successes, and foster a sense of community.

• Why It Works: A culture where everyone feels they are part of a team promotes unity and collaboration.

3. Set Clear Goals and Expectations

• What to Do: Establish clear, achievable goals and make sure everyone understands their role in achieving them.

• Why It Works: When everyone knows what they’re working toward, they can better align their efforts and work more cohesively.

4. Encourage Fun and Creativity

• What to Do: Organize team-building activities, celebrate milestones with fun rituals, or create a comfortable and lively workspace.

• Why It Works: Infusing fun and creativity into the workplace reduces stress and stimulates innovative thinking.

5. Invest in Continuous Development

• What to Do: Provide ongoing training, coaching, feedback and opportunities for professional growth.

• Why It Works: Continuous development empowers team members to grow, building confidence and expertise.

6. Provide Supportive Leadership

• What to Do: Be available for support, provide guidance, and encourage team members to support one another.

• Why It Works: Supportive leadership fosters trust and collaboration, making everyone feel valued and appreciated.

7. Celebrate Both Small and Big Wins

·       What to Do: Acknowledge and celebrate achievements, both big and small, with the entire team.

·       Why It Works: Recognizing accomplishments fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivates the team to strive for more.

The Path is Riddled with Obstacles

Understanding the challenges and their root causes can pave a clear path forward.

1. Misalignment of Strengths and Roles

Leaders often assign roles based on seniority or availability rather than individual strengths. This can lead to a disconnect between team members and their responsibilities.

Leaders must be aware of the potential obstacles that can throw them off course.

I once observed a team where an incredibly creative individual was stuck in a repetitive administrative role. The result was a demotivated employee and a missed opportunity for innovation.

Leaders must invest time in understanding the unique strengths and interests of their team members and align roles accordingly.

2. Lack of Open Communication

A top-down approach, where leaders dictate without listening, can suppress open communication.

Years ago, I coached an executive team in a large organization; the lack of communication channels led to misunderstandings and low morale. Leaders were unaware of their team's concerns, causing rifts that affected productivity.

They grew to foster a culture of open dialogue, where team members felt heard and valued. Have regular check-ins and encouraging feedback are ways to build this culture.

3. Resisting Adaptation

Fear of change and complacency often causes leaders to resist adapting to new business models or landscapes.

I read about a company that failed to adapt to digital transformation and found themselves outpaced by competitors. The leadership's resistance to change was rooted in a fear of the unknown.

Be willing to embrace a growth mindset that views change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Continuous learning and encouraging innovation can instill this mindset within the team.

Building a Future-Proof Team

Building a strong team that thrives on individual strengths is more than just a strategy; it's a leadership philosophy. Recognizing and nurturing these strengths can create an environment where excellence is not only expected but cultivated.

Send this article to a colleague or a friend who you think may benefit from reading it!

I’m Nadine Seaga and I’m a Mindset & Leadership Coach, Founder & Chief Energy Officer (CEO) of People Development Consultants. I can help you to harness your full potential and the full potential of those you lead! Schedule your Clarity Call Here