Do you remember the first time you joined a team that was already formed? How did it feel to be the one to come on at the last minute? Often times when we join teams it is pertinent that leaders, or even those just joining the team learn to do chemistry experiments together.
Let me explain. Sometimes when a person joins a team late, it can be positive or negative. It can be positive to have a new perspective, someone to pick up some of the work, or even adding a new dynamic to the team. On the other hand, and this often happens, new team members are not properly integrated into the team dynamics, and it ends up being a negative for the team. That new person may feel left out, not know what’s going on, or even not be able to contribute because they have not been properly integrated into the work-flow process.
So how can we as leaders or even team members, help to integrate new team members? First, it is very important that a team member feels valued. Yes, they eventually need to get caught up on the work to be done, but it is more important to make them feel a part of the team by letting them get to know everyone, and everyone getting to know them. Most likely, if they have been brought on the team, they have a reason to be there, so getting them caught up first thing is not always beneficial; especially if there is no imminent deadline.
Secondly, it is then important to get them into the work-flow and allow them to feel out the team dynamic. If you allow new team members to feel their way into the situation, the can often find their place within the team dynamic. Sometimes it is even beneficial to show them where they fall, but allowing it to be more natural based on the work they are performing or even the work process they are involved in often self-creates that team dynamic.
Lastly, it is essential to allow team members to continue to develop their strengths and work on their weaknesses. The only for this to occur is for team members to have a good idea of their strengths and weaknesses. Team leaders and other team members should then begin to develop their perceptions of strengths and weaknesses and work on personal and team development. The only way for a team to improve, even if it is an all-star team, is for the team to work on these attributes. If a team, overall is not good at a certain thing, time to outsource if at all possible. If it is also more cost-effective to outsource certain aspects of the team, take that into consideration.
It can be very hard to begin to develop a team, or add a new piece of the puzzle if all the pieces seem to already be in place. Allow the team to open up the puzzle and try to figure out a new puzzle piece place if at all possible. Sometimes a puzzle may seem complete, meaning the overall picture can be deciphered, but the corner may be missing. Be open to new ideas and new team members, because in the end, that may be the difference for a teams dynamic!
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lumaxart/2137737248/
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