Dr. Sanveen Kang’s Post

Trust and autonomy are the foundation of a strong team. When you bring a new colleague on board, it’s natural to want to ensure they’re the right fit and someone you can rely on. That’s why an initial trial period is so important – it helps you quickly assess whether there’s a solid foundation of trust and alignment with the team’s values. But here’s the most crucial part: once you’ve made the decision to welcome them into the team, it’s time to give them the space and autonomy they need to thrive. 🤝 💡 Trust goes beyond a decision – it’s shown in every interaction. By asking for their input, valuing their ideas, and giving them the opportunity to get involved, you’re signalling that they’re genuinely part of the team. This sense of belonging fuels motivation and encourages each person to bring their best. Successful teams aren’t just made up of capable people – they’re made up of individuals who feel they can make a meaningful impact, contribute ideas, and take initiative. So, once you’ve chosen to have them by your side, give them the freedom to make their mark and grow with you. Success comes when people feel empowered and engaged! ✨

So, here’s the story : I’ve got this team, just two of us. When we talk about projects, finding solutions is a real struggle. We clash a lot, mainly because of our totally different personalities. I am a total extrovert—always full of energy and spontaneous ideas. Problem is, I sometimes forget to think before blurting out stuff. Then there’s the introvert, who’s super thoughtful and likes to ponder things deeply. They can get so caught up in thinking that they forget to share their brilliant ideas. But here’s the kicker: these two personalities should totally balance each other out, right? The extrovert brings the hype with big, bold ideas that get everyone pumped. Meanwhile, the introvert adds that necessary depth, bringing practical insights that make our plans more solid and innovative. In the end, it’s not about being an introvert or an extrovert. — It’s about how we balance each other — Whether you’re the type who needs to think and remember to speak, or remember to think and then speak, both ways have their perks.

A “team” is not just people who work at the same time in the same place. A real team is a group of very different individuals who enjoy working together and are committed to working cohesively to help their organization achieve its common goals and fulfill its purpose. Most likely, they are not all equal in experience, talent, or education, but they are similar in one vitally important way, their commitment to the good of the organization. A leader’s role is greatly diminished without their team, and any group of people, your family, your workplace, or your community, will get the best results by working as a team.

A “team” is not just people who work at the same time in the same place. A real team is a group of very different individuals who enjoy working together and are committed to working cohesively to help their organization achieve its common goals and fulfill its purpose. Most likely, they are not all equal in experience, talent, or education, but they are similar in one vitally important way, their commitment to the good of the organization. A leader’s role is greatly diminished without their team, and any group of people, your family, your workplace, or your community, will get the best results by working as a team.

Working alongside dedicated and motivated coworkers can truly elevate our spirits and drive us towards success. The shared goals, collaborative efforts, and mutual support among colleagues can create a powerful synergy that propels the team forward. Each individual brings a unique set of skills, insights, and experiences to the table, fostering a diverse and dynamic work environment. By fostering a culture of teamwork and unity, coworkers can uplift, inspire, and empower one another to overcome challenges and achieve greatness. Through mutual respect, communication, and a shared commitment to excellence, coworkers can cultivate a sense of camaraderie that fosters innovation and productivity. Cherish the opportunities to collaborate with your coworkers, for they are not just colleagues, but potential allies in your professional journey. Together, you can create a work environment where creativity flourishes, ideas bloom, and success becomes a shared reality. Let the unwavering support and encouragement of your coworkers fuel your passion and drive you towards reaching new heights of achievement. Embrace the strength that comes from working as a cohesive team, and together, you can conquer any obstacle that comes your way.

Reflection / Take home message from team building from different varieties of activity: 1. We build trust by communicating and understanding and know how everybody's job task is. 2. We can identify what works well and what doesn't work to achieve our company's goals. 3. We also allow and encourage everyone to express their thoughts and feelings. 4. We are also allowed to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement. Any more?

What truly makes a team "High Performing"? It's not about chasing numbers or hitting targets. It's about the people and the way they work together. At its core, a high-performing team thrives on behaviors that create the right environment for success: 💡 Trust that runs deep and feels unshakeable. 💡 The courage to be vulnerable, knowing it's safe to speak up or make mistakes. 💡 A shared purpose that everyone believes in, wholeheartedly. 💡 Open communication, even in tough moments. 💡 And the ability to put the team’s outcomes above individual credit. The truth is, when these behaviors exist, the results take care of themselves. Outcomes are just the side effect of a healthy, human, and purpose-driven team. If you’re looking to improve performance, start by building a culture that values connection, trust, and purpose over numbers. Because in the end, it’s not about the metrics—it’s about the people. ❤️

A thriving team starts with a culture of appreciation. When team members feel valued, their engagement, creativity, and dedication sky rocket. This allows them to bring their best selves to work. Simple, but powerful ways: 1. Listen actively - email, Slack, text can wait. Take time to understand their ideas and perspectives. 2. Celebrate wins - recognize achievements, big and small. 3. Invest in growth - support their development or provide tools to help them grow. How do you show your team they’re valued?

One of the biggest causes of stress at work is this! What I believe to be true from the work with my clients and working in the corporate world, is that the impact of that one ‘difficult’ individual in a team should not be ignored! You know who I am talking about….. - Perhaps they are explosive or unhelpful - You might feel like you are treading on egg shells around them - They cause A LOT of behind the scenes discussions among the team, and create a culture of unease or threat or resentment. This person can not only cause stress and worry for others, but might even cost you some great team members. So what do you do? What is likely happening, is that the ‘difficult’ person is operating in fear mode. What they actually need is someone firmly standing in their corner with them, to support them to work with a different operating system. The relief that person will feel when they learn how to master their emotions, their stress levels, how to communicate their needs and how to connect with others at work, is likely to ripple out into the whole team. How might this impact your team?

It's crazy how many people have not had the privilege to be part of a high performing team. Being part of a highly effective and high-performing team is something you can study and observe, but until you've been part of one, it's hard to really grasp how powerful a team can be. A powerful team is an incredible combination of everyone pushing each other while everyone is also pulling in the same direction. Everyone's working towards the same goal and everyone not only knows their role, but is secure in the role they're playing. However, the process of getting to that level isn't for the faint of heart. That level of accountability and trust (which is built off of communication and transparency) is really hard for a lot of folks. You'll be challenged. Your weaknesses will be identified. Most people have a hard time accepting that, and that's where they tap out. However, your strengths will be identified as well. You'll become even more confident in your strengths, and you'll find ones you didn't know you had! I'm telling you this in hopes that you'll push through. I'm telling you this in hopes that you'll audit your circle and ask yourself if you've surrounded yourself with people that will make you better. You don't have to go at this alone, and I promise you, you'll go further and faster if you're with the right people.