6 Team-building lessons from an adventure racer
Published December 27, 2012 12:18 PM
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Updated January 3, 2013 10:24 AM
1 Min Read
Commitment
"Commitment starts when the fun stops," Robyn Benincasa told HR/benefits professionals at the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans conference. Pictured here at the boat's bow, she offers 4 P's to understanding team commitment:
- Planning: Dont forget the checkpoints
- Purpose: Inspire through a greater good
- Perseverance: Never let emotion affect locomotion
- Preparation: Luck is a result of opportunity and preparation
Hope of success vs. fear of failure
Great teams aim to succeed, versus trying to simply not lose, says Benincasa. She adds that leaders and star teammates create their own future rather than wait for it.
Adapt and overcome
By viewing unexpected business barriers as challenges as opposed to roadblocks, teams can create new momentum through innovation. Benincasa stresses that innovators should never let the pursuit of perfection hinder progress.
Need-based leadership
Benincasa advocates changing leaders based on strengths for each project, rather than deferring to titles. Learn more about six common leadership styles from author Daniel Goleman and how each effects the emotions and work output of the employees here.
Guts
It takes gutsin the office and on the trailto readjust your path when unexpected change alters your course. When the female member of the Japanese Eco-Challenge Team tore an ankle tendon, her teammates carried her for two days across the mountains of Borneo and to the finish line. Benincasa offers this helpful acronym when you need to regroup or reassess your progress:
Go the distance, quietly persevering
Unwavering in patience and faith
Taking calculated risks
Shattering the norm
Embrace change
Due to a teammates injury during the Eco-Challenge, a French team recruited a Borneo native, who had never repelled in caves, kayaked or biked in his life, to complete the race with them. Because of the Borneo farmers courage and perseverance, the team finished in 2nd place.
