By: Maria Williams
The essence of teamwork permeates every aspect of society. The success of organizations, regardless of nature, depends on the successful execution of teamwork. After all, it enables collaborative problem-solving that leads to better outcomes. It also increases efficiency and accountability and fosters diversity of thought and creativity.
Unfortunately, misconceptions often cloud people’s understanding of what makes a good team, preventing them from collaborating effectively. One common fallacy is the tendency to overestimate one’s abilities. Known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, this phenomenon leads individuals to overestimate their skills, undermining the need for teamwork. It’s worth emphasizing that the team’s potential is stifled when team members don’t recognize their limitations and the importance of learning from others.
Another misconception revolves around failing to understand and appreciate the team’s interconnectedness. Every decision made within the team has a ripple effect. This means it impacts not only the individual members but the entire team. Actions that disregard the team’s well-being, unintentional or not, can diminish trust and cohesion.
Dispelling these misconceptions requires a shift in mindset. Lance Loya, the founder of The Good Teammate Factory, has made it his mission to spread the significance of team dynamics by empowering individuals and entities to embrace the spirit of collaboration. His journey from a college basketball coach to a professional speaker informs his unique perspective on teamwork.
Lance’s methodology stems from the concept of shifting from “me” to “we.” Many experts focus only on improving teamwork. The keynote speaker, on the other hand, zeroes in on the individual. After all, he recognizes that true collaboration begins with each team member welcoming their role as a good teammate.
“Teamwork makes the dream work, but it’s the teammates who make the teamwork,” Lance emphasizes. He champions the concept of the “We Gear.” This mindset shift, applicable across all teams and industries, occurs when individuals prioritize the collective good over personal gain. As Lance explains, “Good teammates understand that every decision made should answer one simple question: ‘What is best for the team?’ Embracing this guiding principle helps the greater collective to achieve success.”
However, it’s significant to note that initiating this mindset shift requires a systematic approach. Lance, therefore, advocates for the use of assessments, such as his A.L.I.V.E. framework (Active, Loyal, Invested, Viral, and Empathetic), to evaluate employee behavior and identify potential team players.
Being Active means taking initiative and being a person of action. Good teammates have the courage to confront sources of toxicity within the team environment. Meanwhile, Loyalty encourages individuals to steer clear of cliques and factions, instead honoring their commitment to the team as a whole.
Investment in the team’s well-being and success is just as crucial, which is why it’s important to sincerely take an interest in the motivations of fellow team members to create a supportive environment. Lance also emphasizes the concept of being Viral. This alludes to teammates ensuring that positivity and enthusiasm spread throughout the team. Lastly, being Empathetic refers to making an effort to understand the intentions behind teammates’ actions and empathize with their experiences.
This approach, rooted in real-world experience, has earned recognition for propagating tangible results. As an author of 10 books on being a good teammate, including The We Gear: How Good Teammates Shift from Me to We and the heartwarming children’s book Be a Good Teammate, Lance’s insights have resonated with audiences worldwide. His work was even featured on Forbes’ list of “20 Books to Make You a Better Coach or Mentor.” This illustrates the relevance and impact of his message.
The keynote speaker also developed the program “The WE Gear-Seven Secrets to Being a Good Teammate.” It offers a roadmap toward enhancing teamwork and collaboration through interactive sessions. With this, participants can explore topics such as recognizing selfish tendencies, cultivating empathy, and creating psychological safety within teams.
Besides these initiatives, Lance founded July 22 as National Be a Good Teammate Day. This annual commemoration recognizes the sacrifices, kindness, and generosity of individuals who prioritize the needs of their team above their own. “How can we not celebrate selfless individuals?” Lance reasons.
Ultimately, Lance Loya offers a viable solution to addressing the root causes of discord within teams. He aims to continue empowering individuals and organizations to shift into the “We Gear” and embrace the qualities of effective teammates.
Published by: Holy Minoza
