Cohesion Inside, Courage Outside: Redefining Team Success

Cohesion Inside, Courage Outside: Redefining Team Success

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, traditional team dynamics are being redefined. Mick Spiers, host of The Leadership Project, delves into this transformation by reflecting on his enlightening conversation with Professor Henrik Bresman of INSEAD, co-author of "X Teams." Henrik challenges leaders to envision teams not only as internally cohesive but also as courageous boundary-pushers outside their usual environments.

The Inward Trap: Expertise as a Barrier

Mick introduces the concept of the "inward trap," where teams, particularly those packed with expertise, become intensely focused on internal processes. This often results in creating solutions in isolation and presenting them to customers as complete packages, expecting positive reception. However, this approach tends to alienate stakeholders, making them feel marginalised and ignored. The failure lies in assuming that showcasing expertise is enough, while what stakeholders truly seek is collaboration, inclusion, and acknowledgment as vital team contributors.

The Power of Listening

One of Mick’s central themes is the transformative power of listening as an antidote to the inward trap. Effective listening is not merely waiting for one’s turn to talk; it's about understanding, engaging, and making others feel heard. Through active listening, teams can bridge gaps and build trust with customers by paraphrasing and validating their concerns. This leads to stronger relationships and ensures that the solutions crafted meet actual needs rather than assumed ones.

Co-Creation over Imposition

After embedding deep listening into team culture, Mick advocates for co-creation over mere imposition. By involving customers in the design and solution phases, teams elicit a sense of ownership and partnership. Instead of dictating terms, teams become collaborators, thereby fostering a partnership where customers feel invested in the outcomes. This approach not only enhances the quality of solutions but also transforms the perception of the team from vendors to trusted advisors.

The Shift from Victim to Creator Mindset

Mick also emphasises the importance of a mindset shift within teams, from seeing themselves as victims of constraints to creators of solutions. Viewing challenges as opportunities for creativity empowers teams to go beyond apparent limitations and find ways forward. This creator mindset is crucial, especially under pressing circumstances, as it encourages innovative thinking and turns constraints into platforms for growth and success.

Practical Steps for Courageous Leadership

Mick concludes with actionable steps for leaders inspired by these insights:

1. Audit Team Orientation: Assess how much focus is balanced between internal dynamics and external engagements.

   
   

2. Set Listening Sessions: Use meetings to gather insights rather than deliver pitches.

   
   

3. Paraphrase Before Solving: Confirm understanding and show empathy before proposing solutions.

   
   

4. Embrace Collaboration: Encourage joint problem-solving by drawing ideas from all stakeholders.

   
   

5. Lead with Possibility: Focus on what can be done, not on limitations.

Final Thought

The ultimate guidance from Mick is to cultivate teams that aren't merely execution-focused but vision-driven. Teams should aspire to lead the next wave of innovation by deeply listening, co-creating with stakeholders, and continuously engaging with the external world. Mick closes by urging leaders to start with one simple step: engage in a deep listening session with a customer. Through this, even strained relationships can be mended, paving the way for resilient partnerships.