In
2001 I joined a Coaching Peer Group. We had 6 members and a facilitator.
There was a structure set up that allowed for coaching, learning,
planning, feedback and goal setting. The focus was to help move
our personal development and our individual businesses forward.
The accountability and support given by each team member was probably
the most significant determining factor in my (our) on-going success.
I was with this team for about one year when I decided to take
a break and move on. In
late 2002 it became very clear that I was to take my business
to higher levels. It seemed that information flowed my way regarding
Success Teams. (My choice of name, there are many) It then became
very clear I was to be a part of a Success Team. I brought 3 other
business owners together, we had a phone call regarding structure
and commitment, did a test run for 3 months and have been together
for about 1-½ years. I
would not be where I am today if it was not for my team. We have
such tremendous passion for helping each other succeed and grow.
We not only meet once a week for 2 hours but are in contact during
the week when we need a push, some feedback, editing, creative
brainstorming or support. Some
of the personal benefits I have received as a Success Team member:
- Brainstorming
ideas around the format of the web page
- Absolute
acknowledgement and support to move forward when I wa stalled...or
stopped. On the flip side, a kick in the butt when needed.
- Being
a part of a team and helping others succeed. This is where
I get my most passionate value.
Why does
this work? We’re not meant to do it alone. When you’re
sitting at your desk and you know there is someone there you can
count on to get you moving, to coach you through that “stuck”
place, it’s like having a company of team leaders and friends
ready to brainstorm, consult and create.
Tips
and Benefits of
Building a Success Team
There
are several names I have heard for teams - Mastermind Groups;
Peer Groups; Dream Teams; Success Teams. Name your team and what
it means to you. We call ours a Success Team and here are tips
and benefits I have compiled from my Peer Group Teams and Success
team experience:
How
many people do you want in your group? Four to Six people is a
good number to keep it timely and focused.
Purpose
Determine what your purpose and need is for you and a group. Once
you have this set it will be easier to put a group together. As
you seek your members, state your purpose to each one in order
to be clear. Look for the members that align with your purpose
in order to begin creating a solid foundation.
Vision
Create a vision of your team together. Begin with individual visions
if it is easier. Your vision may change as you progress.
Create
your structure
Suggestions
- Begin
with a group call or meeting to talk about your needs, wants
and expectations. Once you have chosen your group, make a commitment
to meet for 2 – 3 months with a date set to review how
the process is working for each member. If personalities or
commitments do not match, it is always a good idea to have an
agreement up front for each to state their conflict.
- Have
a facilitator for your group or choose a lead person to keep
your group moving and focused on the content. i.e. You take
the lead for 1 month and someone else takes the lead for the
next and so on.
- Have
a timekeeper so each member gets to bring their agenda to the
table.
- Change
locations of your meetings from time to time to keep it fresh.
- Have
celebrations on anniversaries, milestones, achievements or just
for fun.
Pitfalls
-
A mismatch in team-members personalities
-
Different commitment levels for:
-
Structure of meetings
-
Level of business success
-
Support for team members
-
Negativity
- Inability
to work through a conflict
Benefits
-
obtaining resources and knowledge from your team members current
and past expertise
-
weekly support
accountability for your goals and commitments
-
the challenge to GO FOR IT! with unconditional belief in your
success
-
knowing you have a team behind you with the same commitment
and foundation to succeed
-
helping others achieve their dreams
-
knowing you may ask for help and receive help with your projects
If you would like a guideline, here is the structure my team has
developed:
Number
of Team Members: 4
Vision:
To create a group of business owners with a common goal and commitment
of helping each other succeed in growing their passion.
Purpose:
To identify the next level of our business, achieve it and move
forward through the support and accountability of a dynamic team.
Structure
Frequency:Weekly
Timeframe: 2 hours
Place: Dunn Bros or casual environment with food/beverage
and somewhat private
Member time: 30 minutes each. Flexibility for a member
needing more and another wanting less
Here's
what Rita has to say about her success!
"Our
success team has been the most powerful asset to growing my business
I have ever experienced. The support, honesty, and resourcefulness
that each member has brought to the team has made "Moving
Through Loss", honoring loss and embracing life,
a viable service for those going through grief. My passion was
sustained by the team in clarifying the impact I would provide
to others as there are many different kinds of losses we go through
in life. Creativity and good business sense was always there for
me from the team. It is clear the team and "Moving
Through Loss" can instill hope for the future."
Moving Through Loss
Honoring Loss and Embracing Life
Rita
Goldhammer, CPCC, BF
763.784.4841
