“He waka eke noa” – “A canoe which we are all in with no exception”

The saying holds profound meaning: it’s a Maori proverb, emphasizing collective effort and unity. The analogy is clear – a canoe won’t move forward unless all aboard paddle harmoniously. It’s the same with teams in any context, be it sports, workplace, or creative endeavors. This unity represents not just shared labor but a deeper interplay of shared responsibility, trust, and collaboration.

Reflecting on the various teams I’ve been a part of or observed over the years, patterns emerge. From the basketball team that had individual stars but consistently lost matches, to corporate teams with brilliant minds that struggled to meet deadlines – the underpinning issues remained somewhat consistent. The challenges they faced weren’t about competence, but communication, respect, and trust.

Take, for instance, a scenario I recall vividly: A project team with five bright member. Each was talented, bringing unique skills to the table. Yet, as the semester progressed, the team’s performance lagged. Deadlines were missed; there were evident misunderstandings and unmet expectations. The reason? Each individual, focused on their component, failed to see the project’s bigger picture. There were sporadic updates, little collaboration, and almost no team meetings. The project, unsurprisingly, got a mediocre grade.

Such breakdowns aren’t anomalies. The Harvard Business Review published an enlightening study, highlighting that teams promoting collaboration were five times more likely to be high-performing. Meanwhile, research from Paul J. Zak at Claremont Graduate University reveals the profound impact of trust on team performance, indicating teams with higher trust levels can outperform their low-trust counterparts by up to 286%. These figures aren’t just numbers but depict the profound difference that collaboration and trust can make.

Communication is the bedrock of any successful team. Remember the childhood game “Chinese whispers”? One distorted word at the beginning could change the whole sentence by the end. Similarly, in team dynamics, one miscommunicated idea or task can lead to project failures. It’s paramount that every member is aligned with the team’s core objectives.

Then there’s respect. No two individuals think alike, and that’s a team’s strength. 

Diversity in thought and approach can lead to innovation. But this only flourishes in an environment of mutual respect. Choosing people who are not like you may seem difficult initially but in the end it has great advantages. Consider a scenario where a new team member proposes a radical change to a longstanding process. If met with immediate dismissal, not only is a potentially game-changing idea lost, but that team member might also hesitate to voice future ideas. Respect for each voice, each perspective, is the cornerstone for innovation and progress.

Trust follows closely. It’s not built overnight but is easily broken. When team members trust each other, they work cohesively, leaning on each other’s strengths and supporting weaknesses. Lack of trust, on the other hand, can manifest in various ways – from team members withholding crucial information to hesitating in delegating significant tasks.

So, the pressing question becomes: how can teams overcome these challenges and foster an environment of open communication, mutual respect, and unwavering trust?

Open Dialogues: A team must first acknowledge its issues. This starts with transparent discussions, led by a neutral facilitator, where each member’s experiences and concerns are aired without fear of retribution.

Establish Ground Rules: Every conversation should have established ground rules. These ensure that feedback remains constructive and no one feels personally attacked.

Varied Communication Channels: Different team members might have varied comfort zones. While some excel in verbal communication, others might prefer written formats. It’s essential to cater to these diverse needs.

Rebuilding Trust: Foster environments where members appreciate each other. Simple exercises, like sharing one positive attribute about each teammate, can make a significant difference in rebuilding camaraderie.

Break The Routine: Occasionally, stepping out of the regular work environment can reignite team spirit. Be it a team lunch, an offsite workshop, or even a virtual game night – such activities can bolster bonding.

Reflecting:  How do the teams you’re part of fare? What’s worked for you, and what challenges do you face? Share your korero, insights, and let’s co-create a repository of effective team-building strategies. After all, in this journey of teamwork, “He waka eke noa” – we’re all in this canoe together. Let’s ensure we paddle in harmony.