Teams tend to get into ruts and follow the “rules” that have been handed down by existing and past cultures.
Smoldering teams are the norm and not the exception in most organizations today, which limits their ability to make great results happen routinely in timely ways. Helping leaders recognize the symptoms and make changes that assure their teams will actually improve is not easy. This is especially tough if that team is confronted with a major negative problem or unexpected change that needs fast and effective solutions – no excuses. And do it now.
Sustained Advantage principals are all experienced facilitators and educators. Plus we have completed jobs as full time leaders at top levels, working with teams. Our experience as full timers includes a first step in nearly every job of helping the existing team reorient and gain its legs as a more effective executive group. Our past experiences and skills equip us with all the basic tools that ensure we provide coaching and role modeling that makes a difference for all top and middle level leaders.
We can and do make a difference from the outset, if rapid results are needed. More longer term goals are also part of our assignments, particularly in larger more complex organizations where training and education help assure home grown talent is fully prepared to fulfill higher level jobs and do them well.
In the end, we can and do help Smoldering teams move into a next level, Improving team, but not stop there or slide back into Smoldering when the going gets tougher. Getting into the third level of Systemized team behaviors that are crucial if any team is to gain a permanent “fix” to their spotty performance problems is the goal when any engagement starts. Helping leaders and team members understand what’s required to reach a high level of team effectiveness is the major hurdle for any team facilitation or team event. Annual retreats can only alert you to this, not fix it.