Which is the Bigger Asset? People or Teams

Why You Should Re-Consider the Importance of Teams

Many will agree that people are the most important asset of an organization. More importantly, however, is how well those people work together to accomplish the common goal. Whether a company has thousands of people working in various locations worldwide or just a handful working in one small office, teamwork is vital to success. So, how can you ensure that your teams are performing at their fullest potential? How do people contribute to the team differently? Have you built effective teams?

To begin answering these questions, you must learn how to really understand each member of the team to identify their work style and how it compares to others in the group. You also need to look at the inherent strengths that each person brings to the table. Not their expertise or their background, but those things they seem to be good at just because that is who they are.

Once you understand the team members, you can not only build a team with the most effective combination of strengths, but you can also learn how to leverage each individual’s strengths for a dynamic team that works at its highest potential. Only then will teams reach goals that have been unattained by individuals, work at levels of productivity no single person can achieve or impact the bottom line more effectively as a group. In fact, maybe we should revisit the assets of an organization. Perhaps TEAMS are more important than people on their own?

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How a Common Theory on Communication Shapes Teamwork

The key to understanding the makeup of your team and each member’s unique strength is a common format for identifying and understanding each person’s work habits, strengths and communication preferences.

There are many ways you can classify people through observation to identify what “type” of person they are. One of the most common theories addressing styles of communicating is the theory of DISC. Derived from the early work of William M. Marston, the theory has since been applied to the world of business and used in a number of different ways to better understand, appreciate and adapt to people.

In team building, utilizing the theory of DISC helps team members truly understand why everyone is different, what each individual’s strengths are, and how each person contributes to the team. Remember, communication is more than what someone says. In fact, communication is more about what people do, or how they act. DISC considers all aspects of communication, from the words we use to how body language affects communication. By providing a common language with which to speak about our differences, DISC allows us to recognize other “types” of people, understand them better and leverage their strengths. With DISC, the team can be more cohesive, more productive and more efficient.

DISC also allows us to look at team dynamics in a whole new light, making sure that a well-rounded group provides all the strengths needed for success, and each member is in a role that suits them best. Which person is best to lead? Who should handle the details? What is the best combination for small work groups within the team?

With DISC, it is easy to identify team dynamics to begin strengthening your company’s biggest asset. Even if you have a team of star performers, they are only reaching half of their potential if they don’t work well together. Imagine the possibilities if everyone came together to work effectively as a team.