You need an assortment of components, disciplines, and skills.
We watch a lot of baseball at our house. Actually, my wife, the resident sports fan, watches a lot of baseball, and I’m in the room, too. But I know enough to see that a baseball team involves batting and fielding, pitching and catching, good plays in both infield and outfield—You get the idea! Whether your team is organized around a product or service or a great cause or outcome… there are components that are designed and produced by different team members—maybe different contributing teams! This may be complicated…
Your customers are in various geographies.
For those of us in the USA, the culture, the weather, the traditions vary as you move through different parts of the country. Everything from clothing to food to transportation—products and services may need to differ. And now, in the 21st century, more than ever the world is a connected place. We all consume products and services that may come from another country or region. It is more likely than ever that your team needs to understand what clients and customers need in other parts of the world. By including representatives from all those regions, you can find a unifying formula, or decide on region-specific versions of your product or service to be successful anywhere it is sold.
This became especially important during my time at Microsoft, as we collaborated in both product development and customer service and support around the globe. The meeting at end of day in the US with a colleague or team in Asia or Australia just starting their day was crucial to success. And I still have not shed the habit of looking at my phone first thing in the morning, just in case something crucial came in overnight needing my attention…
Your product or service reaches multiple generations.
This may take you by surprise, but the fact is that we have at least three generations in the workplace (including us aging Boomers…) Likewise, many products and services will be consumed by multiple generations. One size may not fit all, but the awareness of differing needs and perspectives is a critical success factor in today’s competitive environment.
Diverse opinions and viewpoints actually help.
In the process of collaboration, making decisions, and committing to a course of action, you may notice that not everyone agrees! And this is a fabulous reality! The worse thing that happens in the team process is “artificial harmony.” You have probably noticed this, and you may be guilty of it. This is where you smile and nod as decisions are made, but think, “My division/team/workgroup will never go for this…” It’s really the question of, “who is your first team?” A far better idea is to speak up and say, “I’m hearing [this point of view], but is anybody thinking about [this contrasting idea]?” Leaving no stone unturned is a key to team and organizational success. And it may be one of us introverted, Enneagram 9 types who finally asks the hard question. Please do not ignore our questions or bulldoze our ideas! Which leads us to this final thought…
Get every good idea on the table.
The person who is first to speak or loudest in presenting their proposal may not actually have the best idea. It might be easy… but more expensive. It might be quick to produce… but not totally meeting the needs of customers or clients. Take the time to get every good idea on the table. You don’t want to miss the best ideas. And by listening without judgment, every person feels heard and stays engaged for the long haul.
