Question

• Team Values – Discuss as a team what values are important. Develop a statement or itemised list that summarises these values.

Answer 1

1. Listening to each other with an open mind without interruption
2. Sharing knowledge, information and experience with those who can benefit
3. Taking key decisions based on reasoning not rank
4. Expressing concerns only to those responsible for dealing with them
5. A responsibility culture not a blame culture
6. Basing our work on the ‘customer’
7. Striving for continuous improvement
8. Behaving with integrity
9. Positively challenging dishonesty or destructive behaviour
10. No ego

1. Listening to each other with an open mind without interruption :-

Every different point of view could be an opportunity to learn something. Listening shows that you value the other person and that you are open to the possibility of change.

2.Sharing knowledge and experience with those who can benefit

The ‘information is power’ culture breeds ignorance, mistakes and defensive behaviour. But it’s refreshing when someone offers their information or expertise in a helpful way without expecting anything in return.

3.

Taking key decisions based on reasoning not rank

When people know that their ideas will be debated and considered properly, they will be more encouraged to come forward with them.

4.

Expressing concerns only to those responsible for dealing with them

A fundamental characteristic of highly effective teams. Don’t exacerbate situations by telling lots of people how bad things are when those people are not responsible for sorting them out. This is called validating – seeking solace in someone reflecting your opinion without seeking a solution.

5.

A responsibility culture not a blame culture

There are few things more demoralizing than a blame culture. It forces people to protect themselves by unnecessary paperwork, currying favour, or shifting blame – taking attention away from the ‘customer’ and hindering continuous improvement.

6.

Basing our work on the ‘customer’

Many teams behave as if fixated on each other’s faults or failures, or are hampered by needless bureaucracy. But we should not be each other’s obstacle or enemy. The real focus should be on the customer. Remind people who are at war with each other, or who are just on their own warpath, that this has nothing to do with the objective, which is to serve the customer.

7.

Striving for continuous improvement

Every team and every organisation should always be on the lookout for how it can better achieve its aims. This task is never complete: it is really a continuous process, and at its best is a constant state of mind of every team member.

8.

Behaving with integrity

An organisation’s reputation is the crux of its success. A lack of integrity in one part of the organisation can, if it becomes widely known, undermine the entire organisation. Integrity is also at the heart of treating people equally and fairly

9.

Positively challenging dishonesty or destructive behaviour

Honesty, ethical behaviour and effort are essential to a team that pulls together. It must be up to the manager to enforce these standards, having first given a fair hearing to the person or people concerned. This should be done calmly but assertively, taking time to explain exactly what is the desired standard of behaviour, and explaining the consequences of further breaches of the team’s standards

10.

No Ego:-

You should have no ego no matter you are the head or staff of your team.Displays of ego risk undermining anything you achieve by following the other team values.‘No ego’ behaviour is about the importance of just getting on with the job.