
So what's with the deck of cards analogy? Players come to a team (or a job) from different
backgrounds, have different levels of skill, experience and knowledge, different
viewpoints, values and attitudes. We all come to the table with our own
specific hand of cards; sometimes we are a team member by choice while other
times we are just thrown into the mix by circumstance. The expectation is that
all the pieces parts will magically blend together to form a dream team
destined for greatness. Right. Imagine it. You throw all those “cards” on the
table in one big pile and you have one big mess; no rhyme or reason, no
organization, no synergy and everyone going their own way, doing their own
thing. There’s a formula for success – NOT!
Will there be conflict, tension, emotions, anger, lack of
productivity and low morale? You bet. Will this team be successful? Not likely.
So as a team leader how do you make it work? You play the hand you are dealt. You take the resources you have available and
optimize the situation. It’s not about the cards you have; it’s how you play
them. What are your high cards and low cards? Do you have any pairs, any
straights, any flushes? What are you going to do with them? Does each
person on the team have a clearly defined role? Are you playing to your
strengths? Are you willing to trade a “card” for a better fit? Can you make the
tough decisions? Can you take all the differences and find common ground?
Whether you are a team leader or a team player, you play the hand you’re dealt
to the best of your ability. Some are dealt a great hand and waste it while
others manage to turn a mediocre hand into a winner. I guess Kenny Rogers was
right – “know when to hold them, know when to fold them, know when to walk away
and know when to run.” Food for thought.
Posted by MJ Thomas
No comments :
Post a Comment