I once worked with a client that literally shuttered when I said the word "team." It took a few meetings with her before I could understand her anxiety.      It turns out that she also has a law degree. The word "team" conjured up in her mind "defense team." She was a fierce competitor and she later told me that to her "team" meant competition and fighting against another team. She was not used to thinking about a team as a group of people attempting to achieve a positive, productive, non-competitive workplace goal! Avoid Major Conflicts And Save Time      In order for a group of people working together to achieve their group goals, they need to understand what it means to act like a team. Productivity is an outcome of collaboration, consensus, risk-taking, focus and commitment.      Don't get me wrong...sometimes conflict is good. It's what helps challenge people and their thinking. The challenge becomes channeling that conflict in productive ways. It Starts In The Lockerroom      Any sports team ready to take the floor, the field, the court or wherever knows that in order to accomplish more, in order to be productive, it begins in the lockerroom. How are people communicating? How do people support each other? How much do they trust each other?      Covey says that you create things twice; first in the mind and then outside of it. In other words, for any team to be productive, they need to see themselves being productive. They need to get a taste of the possibilities. They need to believe and create the internal drive to get them where they want to be.      It begins in the lockerroom before you go out onto the field. Increased team productivity doesn't just happen with the snap of a finger. It is intentional and takes hard work.      Michael has helped many organizations create improved team productivity. Find out how he can support your program and call (847) 433-0908. Home | Contact Us | Free Lead On! | Meet Michael | Management | Team Productivity | Workplace Relationships | Leadership Potential | Attitude | Results Focused Programs | Clients & Feedback | Meeting Planners | Resource Center | Hear Michael Poll Management Consultants | 564 Broadview Ave | Highland Park, IL 60035 USA Phone: 847-433-0908 | Fax: 847-433-0908 | michael@michaelpoll.com © 2001-2003 - Poll Management Consultants - All Rights Reserved