We have heard of the phrase "There is no I in Teams". But is there another way of looking at it?

1. Is there an “I” in Teams?

2. Most of us will be familiar with the term ‘there is no ‘I’ in teams’.
This statement is certainly not without merit.
We all at some point will have been a member of a team where there
is a constant battle between several prominent ‘I’s’ and perhaps you
were one of them.
I am also guilty as charged.

3. Competing can feel good
If you are living in a western culture you will have learned that it is
important to be seen and noticed.
Striving for significance, respect and status within a group can often
mean we end up either fighting or competing with other people, either
overtly or covertly.
If everybody competes then team activities are going to be fruity
indeed. They are going to be overly noisy and information exchange
is going to be difficult and messages unclear.

4. The ‘I’ can save the group from certain death
There seem to be a number of instances where having a strong ‘I’
can be essential to team effectiveness. One of these is
accountability.
We know in high performing teams, its members hold one another
accountable for performance standards.
Another key area is in decision making. Teams can drift into group
think and nobody challenges the groups thinking.
A strong ‘I’ can do this. The individual does not get subsumed by the
group and ensures that their counter voice is clearly heard.

5. A mature ‘I’ can make a huge difference
The type of ‘I’ that comes into the group is essential. If the ’I’ is
immature then the way the ‘I’ holds others accountable or the way it
challenges group think can sound adolescent. It can be received
unfavourably.
A mature ‘I’ can make a real difference to team effectiveness.
A mature ‘I’ can bring their voice in, and do so in a way that is
respected and heard.
It sounds considered, empathic and sagacious. It is also concerned
with establishing the truth and finding the best solution for the team
and the business.

6. Transforming the ‘I’
Through increased self - awareness and behavioural training, MaST
can significantly reduce the noise and increase the clarity in
information exchange.
We can do this by helping members, firstly recognise and then
change competing behaviours in to sustaining cooperative
behaviours. This also helps to create vitality in a group and a closer
bond.

7. To learn more about how MaST can transform your teams
please contact Mark Hawkswell
On 0800 316 9090, or by email mark.hawkswell@mast.co.uk
Or visit our website www.mast.co.uk
© MaST International Group Ltd 2015
® MaST is a registered trademark of MaST International Group Ltd