Webster Has It Wrong: There is an "I" in Team!

Posted on July 02, 2015 by Tracey Sloan, One of Thousands of Career Coaches on Noomii.

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, one way to define team (the noun) is a group of people who work together, or who compete against another group. They define team (the verb) as “to put together in a coordinated ensemble.” Both of these definitions are valid, but what’s missing for me are a few key “I’s” that, when present, can bring true team talent to light.

A little context: This Spring, I had the pleasure of serving as a mentor for VCU’s Entrepenuerial Program, a growing and dynamic division of VCU’s School of Business. Under the direction of Jay Markiewicz, a dedicated educator and mentor himself, I invested time with a handful of his bright students (pictured above, left to right): Anders Bisgaard, Adam Zeitoun, Rina Castaneda, Jessica Crone and Dena Randall. Their mission, along with other teams, was to create a tangible demonstration of the Richmond, Virginia Entrepreneurial Ecosystem. This was not a “mock” project, but the real deal, equipped with a customer who will actually use the best of the collective entries to create a navigation system for entrepreneurs in Richmond and the surrounding areas. .

Over the course of a few short weeks, I watched this team transform from an “assigned” group of eclectic individuals into a creative, cohesive and caring team that moved in unison toward impressive results. It happened organically, one conversation at a time. I observed them coming to accept and appreciate the unique “I’s” that each member represented within the team. Their diversity of thought and approach became a collective asset, and it was magical to be a part of. This experience was a great reminder of that for me. Alone, our unique talents or creative quirks may not set the world on fire. But when mixed with optimism, perseverence and the the innate talents and triumphs of others we grow to trust, there is no limit to what teams can achieve!

See if you see yourself or other team mates in the descriptions below…

Anders brought to the team an INQUISITIVE NATURE. Anders was our pleasant, but persistent, devil’s advocate. He listened to team members during brainstorming, and remained open, but he also was not afraid to ask the tough questions, such as: Are we sure we want to do that? Or…Do you think that approach makes the most sense given our goals? Or…You want me to do what?!

Every team needs a feisty and fearless player who is willing to buck – or at least inquire about – the system that is playing out among the team. His intentions were positive, and he likely kept the crew from going down a path not meant for the mission, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Adam brought INNOVATION. In addition to optimism and a great team spirit, Adam came up with an idea to design and distribute business cards. He knew it would be useful to have cards on hand to distribute at local business events, to promote the site and the mission, and help entrepreneurs find the support they would need to succeed in our city and surrounding areas. We also brainstormed to come up with the accompanying tagline, Trek The RVA Way to blaze a business trail today! Doesn’t every team need a think-out-of-box leader who is not afraid to offer bold ideas and produce creative, cost-effective marketing tools to build excitement about their mission or product?

Rina made sure the team was IN SYNC. No, not the old-school and ever popular boy-band, but the rhythm found on teams that remain in sync with the mission and each other along the way. Rina was focused on designing a system, a compass, that could be used online easily to help entrepreneurs travel virtually through the business maze. She helped ensure the visuals for the site were in sync, logical and easy for consumers to use. Every team needs someone to paint the big picture for the team, and to make sure everyone is rowing in the same direction for the betterment of the task at hand. Are you the compass on your team?

Jessica brought INFRASTRUCTURE. Jessica was kind, tenacious, and laser-focused on ensuring entrepreneurs would have the infrastructure they needed to succeed, including resource checklists ranging from finance know-how to discovery of physical RVA spaces where entrepreneurs can share space and dreams as they work to broaden their businesses with their collective gusto. What team doesn’t need someone to ground them and make sure the essentials are in place to build a foundation for future success?

Finally, Dena brought INITIATIVE and INFLUENCE to the team. I don’t know how she does it. Dena was a go-getter, a positive-productive-influence-machine from day one. She took on so many things at once I had to, um, hint, she may want to delegate a bit so she doesn’t burn out before the project’s end. She initiated designing the website and a brochure, and partnered well with the team to make sure everyone got assignments that matched their interests, skill sets and capacity. That’s a skill it can take leaders decades to realize, and she’s already got it mastered. Dena proved to be a tremendous leader yet remained a humble team player at the same time. I have no doubt her already-in-the-making business plans will be a success when she graduates from VCU later this year!

Collectively, the team met its goal, and also made a real IMPACT on each other and the community. Isn’t that the end goal of all teams? We all strive to meet our goals, but we also crave being part of making a more substantial, meaningful difference in the lives of others. This team did just that. While all the teams did a great job of offering their products and ideas, this group was the only team to actually have a Richmond-based business owner review, apply and benefit from the site they created. The business owner had no idea before this point that there were so many investors in the area willing to support small businesses, and expressed great appreciation to the team for making these new possibilities come to light. Completing the project successfully? A great feeling. Making a tangible difference in the life and business of a local merchant? Priceless!

As a whole, the hard work all teams displayed brought INSPIRATION. The majority of students had multiple classes, some with part-time work or community commitments, occasional colds and flus, and all teams had only a few weeks to research, design and deliver their products to the customer.

The industrious team I was lucky enough to mentor produced three artifacts, though only one was required. With all that time and energy spent, I surveyed them afterward, curious to learn what they’d gained the most from this experience. Most common answer? Confidence. They now realize that entrepreneurship is indeed a “real” career, not just a dream!. They also see themselves as future successful entrepreneurs, ready to go forth and take one action to inspire another. As one of them put it, “You don’t have to be perfect; just get started!” The extra bonus for them was discovering how accessible help and support will be for them along their career journey. Whether it’s VCU, mentors, local business owners or a host of others, help is available to make one’s business dreams come true. It starts with a vision, believing in yourself and your mission, and of course, becoming and being your destined “I” to make your team or company stronger. I have no doubt this talented team will make a positive and lasting difference on the business community, in RVA and beyond.

Thanks to VCU and this amazing team for reminding me it’s never too soon — or too late — to have the life and business you’ve always wanted. Thanks also to Marion Bartels for referring me for this great opportunity. Undoubtedly, I learned as much or more from them as they did from me. Their spunk and spirit revitalized mine, and I am thankful to have been a part of their college and entrepreneurial journey.

Tracey Sloan, M. Ed. is a certified Life and Executive Coach, who thrives on helping leaders overcome obstacles and learn to leverage their innate gifts and become the amazing leaders they are meant to be. Feel free to reach out to tracey@coachingonthego.com or www.coachingonthego.com with follow up comments or questions.