Team Contribution Is What Really Matters, Isn’t It?
Are you making a good team contribution? Are you working within the bounds, coloring inside the lines, and being a positive role model?
Team contributions come in at least two flavors.
One flavor suggests that you precisely follow all the rules. It is a path of working within the system, no thinking, just doing. It is the support of the system, by design, and never wavering.
A second flavor, different from the first may suggest that the best team contribution comes from working on the edges of the rules. It is more about merit, accomplishments, and contribution.
Leadership Style
Occasionally, or often, depending on where you look, you’ll find arguments about leadership style.
There exists a notion by some that rebels are good leaders. Those willing to bend or break the rules when it favors a goal-oriented result. Not those who only see things as black and white and always inside the lines. Especially when inside the lines is not working and is counter-productive for the team.
It doesn’t mean ethical or legal disobedience. It means high-quality and high-integrity leadership. Being both responsible and accountable.
What path makes the most sense for you?
Team Contribution
If you are the type of person who works from the heart, I’m willing to bet you see yourself somewhere in the middle.
Working from the heart, at least in this case, means you have an undying passion for the pursuit. It is not a reference to being soft, it is a reference to being committed to the achievement of the goal.
Think about who you are. Consider who you want to become. What legacy you want to leave behind, and what will matter most for the team and organizational success.
Success is rarely convenient and it is almost never easy.
Team contributions are connected to leadership.
One way, or another.
-DEG
Dennis E. Gilbert is a business consultant, speaker (CSPTM), and culture expert. He is a five-time author and the founder of Appreciative Strategies, LLC. His business focuses on positive human performance improvement solutions through Appreciative Strategies®. Reach him through his website at Dennis-Gilbert.com or by calling +1 646.546.5553.
