Team Chemistry: Open Communication
by Bryan Bielecki
Last week, we discussed the role of purpose (mission/vision) and roles in creating team chemistry. This week, we’re going to explore the importance of open communication.
As a refresher, team chemistry is normally something we associate with sports. How many sports teams have you seen overachieve? Chances are they had great team chemistry. In business, think of yourself as the head coach who is responsible for the results of your team. Fostering great team chemistry is an often-overlooked method of creating and sustaining an organization’s success. As I mentioned, today we’ll discuss the importance of open communication.
To read about all of the leadership aspects we’ll be discussing in this blog series in one place, here’s PDF of the full article.
Principal #3: Open Communication
Communication is vital to success in just about any endeavor. I always start with candor. I learned very quickly that you just can’t ask for it though. Think about the person who has that foreign object hanging from their nose when you’re trying to have a serious conversation. How many times do you have an open enough relationship with that person where you can tell them they have something hanging from their nose that they may want to address? As the team leader, you must create an environment where everyone feels comfortable having those uncomfortable conversations, both you with them and them with you.
How do you get there? In sports terms, think vulnerability drills. We’ve all heard the importance of vulnerability in effective leadership. Get everyone on the team, including yourself, to talk about what they do well and what they don’t do well. Keep in mind that not all people are most vulnerable when talking about their weaknesses. For some, it’s talking about their strengths.
It’s not easy to create an environment where candor is the norm. You can’t just simply ask for it, you must create it. Nonetheless, you’ll know when you get there and once you do, your team will be much more productive.
Next week
Next week, I’ll address the importance of diversity and relationships in creating great team chemistry.
Bryan Bielecki, GCSAA – Vice President, Agronomy, Billy Casper Golf
Bryan directs BCG’s agronomic programs, overseeing golf course maintenance nationwide. He began with BCG in 1999 as an Assistant Superintendent before being promoted to Superintendent, Regional Director of Agronomy, and now Vice President of Agronomy. Bryan is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and a graduate of the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture.