How to Align Your Team
As a leader dedicated to fostering a thriving team culture, I’m excited to delve into a critical aspect of team effectiveness: tapping into healthy tension between collaboration and independence. The concept is explored in-depth in my latest book, Next-Level Teamwork, and I believe the insights shared can revolutionize the way your team operates. I invite […]
The 3 Critical Differences Between a High-Performing Team and a Group of People

In today’s workplace, many leaders don’t know the difference between a high-performing team and a group of individuals who happen to be working together. Often, leaders assume that teamwork is happening simply because individuals are working in the same space or for the same company. Yet, in reality, they are overseeing a collection of individuals […]
Most Teams Don’t Work! The High Price of Team Dysfunction AND How to Overcome It

The numbers aren’t encouraging. Nearly 75% of professionals find themselves in dysfunctional teams.1 Moreover, based on their negative team experiences, only 24% of professionals would willingly choose to work in teams if given the option.2 The unfortunate reality is that most teams simply don’t work! A primary cause for this dysfunction comes from people’s inability […]
DIY TEAM ACTIVITY: The Summer Snapshot Challenge

ANNOUNCEMENT: Start by communicating the summer photo challenge icebreaker to the team, explaining the rules and objectives. PHOTO SUBMISSION: Team members are instructed to submit a photo of a place they have been during the summer. The photo should not include themselves, friends, or family. It can be as simple as a picture of their […]
The Ownership Paradox: Increasing Empowerment AND Accountability

The concept of ownership in an organization is an interesting one. I can’t even begin to count the number of leaders who have reached out to me asking if I could help instill a “culture of ownership” in their organization. They want people to be more responsible and have a default of going above and […]
Share the Love – Team Activity

Have you ever wondered how to wrap up your meetings in a meaningful way? We have an exciting suggestion that will bring numerous benefits to your team: “Share the Love.” By incorporating “Share the Love” as the final item on your meeting agenda, you can accomplish so much more than just ending on a positive […]
The Best of Both Worlds: Encouraging Collaboration AND Independent Work

To unlock next-level teamwork, it’s crucial to understand, assess, and optimize the balance between encouraging collaborative and independent work. Regardless of people’s individual preferences, and regardless of whether you’re working altogether in the office or in a remote setting, team members need to be constantly committed to managing this tension in a healthy way. This […]
Two Truths and a Dream – Team Icebreaker

This DIY activity is a fresh (and more honest) take on the traditional ‘Two Truths and a Lie’ icebreaker. It encourages team members to share both their accomplishments and their dreams in a fun and engaging way. Ask each team member to write down two accomplishments in their life that they are proud of, and […]
How to Speak Your Truth: Mastering the Art of Candid yet Compassionate Dialogue

I was raised in a loving and supportive family and our conversations were always high on tactfulness. We made sure there was lots of kindness and empathy when we dealt with each other. However, we weren’t as high on the truth side of things. It’s not that we were dishonest, but we held back sharing […]
A Winning Approach to the “Back to the Office” Dilemma: Promote Structure AND Flexibility

As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, not a day goes by where I’m not hearing examples of unhealthy tension between structure and flexibility, specifically when it comes to remote vs. in-person team strategies. Through experiencing the downsides of overdone flexibility, some leaders are taking the approach of forcing their teams back to the office […]