Networking and Team Work


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	The Importance of Team Work


	Personal Differences Can Enhance Networking Results

Networking is all about creating community. But the online community can be a tough one in which to work together productively.

Distractions are many. Recognition is often elusive and success is almost always slow to come. Relationships are built "artificially" through the use of technology, rather than face-to-face. We know people by the words they write, not through physical interactions and visual personality displays that we rely on off line. So while we attempt to do the kinds of networking online that are successful in our local business groups, we can't discount the fact that some key elements that make it possible for us to work together locally, are invisible in online communities. That realization makes it necessary for us to explore the roles that different personalities bring to a team effort, and the roles those personalities play in the team process.

Over the past 20 years, I've attended numerous seminars on networking, team- building, & community development. Those lessons, and my own years of observation have taught me that any successful team will include five basic team "roles" characterized by specific talents and traits.

You may see yourself in more than one role, and also realize that your niche in any specific team process may vary depending on the group. As we strive to network and grow our businesses together, we must recognize individual strengths and weaknesses of those around us, and understand our places in the community process.

Creators: Idea people. Prone to seeing "something" where others see "nothing." Tend to have "brilliant" ideas, often with no clue how they might be implemented, but sure they can be. Visionaries who see the big picture beyond the immediate challenge. Fearless. Can hear a problem and rather quickly generate ideas for new concepts and often unusual solutions.
Developers (sometimes called Advancers): Open-minded. Willing to explore and implement new ideas. Tend toward previously successful personal methods of planning and task implementation. Like to get things moving quickly. A bit fearless. Tendency to just get the job done and not always think of the consequences. Necessary to move a project forward from thinking to "doing something about it."
Analyzers (sometimes called Refiners): Keep everything in line, almost to a

One thing about partnerships and team work that hasn't changed from the earliest days of our history, is that basically every person on the team needs everyone else to make that team work effectively. Do team members always like each other, or get along outside the team's activities? Not necessarily. But they do share a vision for a project, or they wouldn't have come together in the first place. And the smart team member will not be threatened by anyone else's place on the team.

Recognize the strengths of others and use their expertise as a part of your own education and personal growth. If you aren't the recognized driving force on your team, maybe you're not supposed to be. But maybe you're the one who's supposed to follow through to make it happen!

fault. Analyze, challenge and review. Can be seen as "throwing cold water" on ideas. Tend not to be risk-takers on their own, and seldom offer new ideas. Don't react quickly. Sometimes too conservative, but can force a group to revisit a concept and help to create a more refined and better result.

Implementers: Make the plan reality. Want someone else to formulate the plan, then let them do the job. Efficient and methodical. Don't care for discussion. Don't particularly need or want to lead. Want to get the job done right through a carefully thought-out process. Sometimes rightfully called "worker bees." Essential -- they make things happen.

Facilitators: Must have clear-cut understanding of the over-all project mission and long-term vision of the group. A liaison position. Objectively keeps project moving from one phase to another, while keeping conflict and distractions to a minimum. Must have clear understanding of the value all roles play in the process, and be capable of steering a team back on course when distractions occur. Prevents lost time and productivity.

Different sources describe team roles differently, but time and again the same basic descriptions are provided of individuals who comprise any team. In networking, utilizing combined strengths to overcome individual weaknesses is a definite way to grow. Cherish differences. Revel in ideas and unique concepts. Appreciate cautiousness. Look for experience and specific skills to "make it happen." See value in questions and attention to detail. Understand the need for over-all objectivity. As united business owners who value all our combined facets, we shine!


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