Smart Business Magazine, October 2017

10 Smart Business Pittsburgh October 2017 Team building Without the three Cs you dont really have a team You have a group of individuals that are unable to communicate Because they are not able to communicate they do not collaborate Because they do not communicate and collaborate there is no way you have cohesion As it turns out they arent really a team at all Here are some thoughts on how you can build the cohesion within your company Communication Communication is to give information about something to someone by speaking writing moving your hands etc If only it were that simple Being a good communicator is one of the most difficult things Some factors that go into being a good communicator include timing message delivery body language and being a good listener Some pointers for your team Know when to pick up the phone Too many critical communications are delivered by email or text It is highly likely that your message will be misunderstood if received electronically Tip No 2 is to seek to understand before seeking to be understood If you want the conversation to go well ensure you ask questions For example Why didnt you include me in the meeting Was there something I did that caused you to react that way The mistake most commonly made in the communication process is that we make it all about us When we make it all about us the receiver of your message will often get emotional and defensive Try asking questions with no sharp edges in the tone of your voice More times than not you will be pleased with the outcome Collaboration To collaborate means to work jointly with others or together especially in an intellectual endeavor The concept of collaboration will be the most difficult for your young managers to understand By involving other managers in the decision making process younger more inexperienced managers will feel like they are asking for help In my opinion the best leaders know whom to include in their decision making process Teach this to your young leaders The best approach is to include all parties in the decision making process that will be affected by your decision If you include them and get their buy in you will immediately see how communication and collaboration will start to build that cohesive team Cohesion Cohesion is the act of forming a united whole If you want to puff that chest out and boldly declare that you have formed a great team your team must be cohesive Many companies have group outings or functions to help form that cohesion Another example is to have regularly scheduled department head meetings In my mind the formula is as simple as Communication Collaboration Cohesive team Papa Bear George Halas said it best We are one Together we achieve the goals of individuals Do you remember the moment it happened You stood there chest out as you proudly looked upon your managers and declared We have built a great team Then you were metaphorically slapped in the face and reminded you dont have a team DENNIS W LEJECK President and founder Black Knight Security Dennis is a graduate of the University of Pittsburghs Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence and has also participated in EY Entrepreneur Of The Year program BKS was recognized in 2008 2015 2016 and 2017 as one of the 100 Fastest Growing Companies in Pittsburgh 412 503 4494 dlejeck@ blackknightsecurity com www blackknightsecurity com http linkd in 1uqrQFE DENNIS W LEJECK BUSINESS SENSE