| |
|
|
|
|
Team Cohesion
Team Today, Team Tomorrow, Team Torino – 6 T’s to Success
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nThe US Ski Team has experienced lots of success because we have embraced the idea of working hard as a team without compromise or excuses. As a team we sat down and decided that we needed to do everything right to reach our potential. The first issue we tackled as a team was the concept of teamwork and communication.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nAny organization which wishes to be successful needs to establish ways to work together such that the sum of individual parts is larger than all the individuals alone. A noble concept; but we felt it was possible and in fact necessary to be successful.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nWe solicited the help of our eminent team psychologist John Hammermeister to facilitate the process. He presented some ideas to the team and then we sat down to talk about how we should create such an environment. It was decided that in order to make this happen we needed to make team cohesion an important goal. We listened to John and made this our number one goal for the team. The second part of the process was to involve all team members and have the team develop a document that outlined what a high performance team cohesion agreement would look like. After several hours in a meeting room we had a collection of ideas that we felt was important to create an environment that would allow everyone a chance to become their best. With the help of our staff writer (Pete Vordenberg) we developed a document that encapsulated these ideas. It is now an expectation for all people who are involved with the team that they have to sign and adhere to all the principles in the contract.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nAfter having implemented the team cohesion agreement we have realized that it really worked. It worked because everyone made it a priority. We also continually revisit the contract and talk about how we can do an even better job to be team players. Before the start of a new season we go through the process of making a new team cohesion agreement. We have included a copy of our contract such that you can see what we feel is important. We highly recommend the process of creating such a team agreement for all teams and organizations. It is however extremely important that you do not just copy this agreement, rather involve all members of your organization and make your own. If you do not make it a priority and continuously revisit the contract and your own performance to fulfill the obligations in the contract, it will only be another document and idea that collects dirt in a stack of papers in your office. Good luck in making your team/organization a high performance environment.
\r\n
 \n
Bungee Jumping...The Ultimate in Team Building!
\r\n
\r\nU.S. Ski Team Cohesion Agreement
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nAs members of the US Cross Country Ski Team, athletes, coaches and staff alike we are committed to the production and maintenance of a positive and harmonious team environment that will allow all of us to achieve our potential. We understand that group cohesion, in combination with a strong work ethic, is a powerful mechanism for enhanced performance. Our goals are shared, and so is our success.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nWe will achieve this goal of team cohesion through an emphasis on the following:
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nProfessionalism
\r\n
\r\nLead with actions first, then words.
\r\n
\r\nLeave bad races at the venue. Learn and move on.
\r\n
\r\nEncourage planned risk-taking by making room for failure.
\r\n
\r\nBe there, and be there five minutes early.
\r\n
\r\nBe conscious of the Team.
\r\n
\r\nAt the end of a long trip, don’t forget to extend courtesy to others.
\r\n
\r\nAll issues will be handled internally.
\r\n
\r\nBehave ethically. Illegal substances will destroy all our efforts.
\r\n
\r\nDo what you say.
\r\n
\r\nLend a hand!
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nCommunication
\r\n
\r\nCommunicate openly, constructively and in a timely manner.
\r\n
\r\nDeal with the issue, not the person.
\r\n
\r\nBe open to constructive criticism, and do not take things personally.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nRespect
\r\n
\r\nGet to know your teammates.
\r\n
\r\nTreat all teammates, coaches and staff with utter respect.
\r\n
\r\nEliminate gossip, backbiting and negative non-constructive comments.
\r\n
\r\nAccept all teammates, as they are – even their quirks and flaws; we all have them.
\r\n
\r\nBe loyal to the team, your teammates, and the team’s shared goals.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nAttitude
\r\n
\r\nMake team cohesion a primary goal for all of us.
\r\n
\r\nSet the example of being a great teammate.
\r\n
\r\nInclude everyone.
\r\n
\r\nMake no excuses.
\r\n
\r\nFocus on the positive. Focus on the solution.
\r\n
\r\nCommit yourself to reaching your potential as an individual and as part of a team.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nWe create our legacy and ourselves though our actions today, tomorrow and everyday. We accept and embrace this opportunity to succeed and admit to the fact that we are giving this everything we have both as individuals and as a team, without excuse.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nTeam Today. Team Tomorrow. Team Torino.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nAthletes, coaches and staff who do not comply with the above, are acting against the collective will of the team and against the achievement of our shared goals. Athletes, coaches and staff will be subject to a jury of peers, a jury of team captains and the coaching staff. If the behavior cannot be remedied through mutual communication sanctions may be imposed.
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nAthlete Name: Signed:
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\n
\r\nWelcome to the Team!
\r\n
\r\n
 \n
When traveling together for over six months of the year, having a cohesive group makes all the difference.
Written By: TNystadDate Posted: 5/4/2004Number of Views: 425
Return |
|
|
|
|
|
|