Hi readers of Coderblog
What truly distinguishes a stellar team from an average one?
My experiences have ranged from being part of exceptional teams to those that left much to be desired. A noteworthy experience was being on a team that, though not explicitly acknowledged, was centered around supporting a company "star". This individual's expertise was undeniable, yet their presence overshadowed the collective effort. While we achieved our goals, the accomplishments paled in comparison to what I've seen in teams where equality and collaboration were the norm.
Jacob Bennett, a Medium staff engineer, draws parallels from the 2004 NBA finals - the matchup between the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers - to highlight a critical insight: “The Lakers relied on the prowess of individual stars, whereas the Pistons triumphed as a cohesive unit. Defying 8-to-1 odds, the Pistons' victory exemplified that a unified team could outperform a group of soloists.”
Bennett delves deeper into psychologist Bruce Tuckman's widely recognized four stages of team development - Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing - suggesting that these stages offer a simplified view of team dynamics. Originally based on group therapy research, this model may not fully encapsulate the complexities of team evolution within the workplace, where changes in team composition are common and can significantly disrupt established dynamics.
This realization that team development is anything but linear is a valuable lesson for all of us involved in team-based work.
Further Reading:
Biz Stone's journey to overcoming his fear of flying, which nearly led him to decline a career-defining opportunity at Google, serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest barriers are often self-imposed. This narrative reinforces the importance of confronting personal fears and seeking assistance when necessary.
The increasing acceptance of open relationships in the U.S., particularly among younger generations, challenges traditional perceptions of commitment and love. Sophie Lucido Johnson, an illustrator and author, argues that the essence of polyamory lies in communication rather than sexual freedom. This perspective invites us to reconsider how we define and navigate relationships.
Daily Wisdom:
Success isn't about excelling in a single skill but mastering a unique combination of abilities that, while distinct, complement each other effectively.
Happy reading,
Coderblog Admin