This week we were focused on
skills and attributes that can build collaborative teams. I think this week was especially relevant to
my current role and I can definitely apply these concepts to my job. Being able to recognize both positive and
negative behaviors in your teammates is critical to building a strong
team. For example, I discussed how my co
workers might have very different reactions to the building redesign for our
corporate office. In my discussion I
mainly focused on the challenges employees will face when transitioning to one
way of working (cubicles) to something entirely different (open space).
I think it’s important to be
extremely mindful of what I say about the new working environment. A lot of my co workers make negative
comments, poke fun at the idea of collaborating, and say how much they are
dreading it. Even if I am not very fond
of the newly redesigned building myself, I don’t want to go around telling people
because I might be perceived as someone who doesn’t want to collaborate and is resistant
to change. I don’t think people realize
how critical what you say and how you act in times of significant change
is. I think a lot of what we have
learned in this course reinforces the importance of self awareness. Your words and actions can influence the
people around you, and can also shape their perceptions of you. This
is really just human nature and I don’t want to be put into the bucket of
people who are associated with being negative at work. I can definitely think of five-ten people
who causally said they think it’s a horrible idea, unproductive, and an
invasion of privacy.
The reality is that these people have to change and get on board or they will be forced out of the
organization. Or even worse, if they
stay in the organization, they will be perceived as unhappy and that they don’t do well with
change. This will continue to negatively impact their reputation as an employee at the company. That might result in them not getting a promotion down the roadm or not chosen to work on a specific project because of their percieved attitude. Being open to change, new ideas
and ways of working is very important. I
think that during this time of transition, I can point out some of the
positives of the workplace transformation and really show my leadership
skills. “Success at work starts with positive
perceptions” (Garfinkle, 2011).
By maintaining a positive attitude during the transition, it can also
influence others to either keep their opinions to themselves, or better yet
also begin to see some positives. In
order to build an effective team, I need to focus on motivating others to want
to work in this new environment and being open to the benefits it can
bring. We know that the transformation
is underway and isn’t going to stop, and so preparing for it now will hopefully
ease the transition when it hits my team specifically.
References:
Garfinkle, J. A. (n.d.). Transforming Perceptions: 10 Steps
to Managing the Way You Are Perceived at Work. Retrieved February 17, 2017,
from http://www.greatleadershipbydan.com/2011/10/transforming-perceptions-10-steps-to.html
Olivia:
ReplyDeleteWe moved into new offices right before the holidays, and the first few weeks, almost everyone was complaining -- the offices were dark, we couldn't control the overhead lights, the hallway was long and echoed...you can imagine. By now, most people have acclimated, and, even if they are not happy, they don't talk about it as much. Sometimes we just need to vent. But you are right -- being outwardly negative doesn't help, especially in the face of big changes.