The greatest power a team offers is making you feel like an insider.

The great thing about being on a team is that you are different than everyone else. It’s not about the number of eyes, arms, or heads you have. Although that would be pretty cool. The differences are on the inside.

There are different rules that apply to team members than the general population. Your values are different. Your commitments are different. Your language is different. Your culture is different.

When you are on a team your standards and expectations are higher than those of the rest of the population. You expect more of each other. You accept less or no deviation from the standards set. And hopefully none of the other types of deviants either.

The best way to become great at anything is to join a great team. Because a great team demands a level of commitment, hard work, dedication, and technique that are greater than those outside the team. Plus there are secret handshakes. And who doesn’t like a good secret handshake? (Probably handshake deviants.)

A great team has a distinct insider vs. outside dynamic. The insiders really feel different than the rest of the world. And if you don’t live up to their behaviors and expectations, you are an outsider. It is the contrast between what ‘we do’ and what ‘they do’ that makes being part of a team special.

One of the best things you can do to create a great team is to create a clear set of expectations and behaviors. Declare Our team does this. Our team does not do that. The Does/Does Not List marks the fence that surrounds your team and defines who is let in and who needs to get out.

Key Takeaway

A team offers a great sense of belonging, unity, and purpose. Because the expectations of team members are higher than those not on the team. Circle up your team. Choose members carefully. Create a culture that encourages all to strive for higher standards. Weed out members who don’t fit or won’t commit to your behavioral standards. That’s how you create a great team.

*If you know someone who could benefit from this message, please share it with them.

+For more on building a great team culture check out my book The Culture Turnaround I wrote with Jeff Hilimire. For more of the best life lessons I have learned check out my book, What Does Your Fortune Cookie Say? from Ripples Media.

Originally published at http://adamalbrecht.blog on September 12, 2023.