The phrase ‘Board and team dynamics’ is used all the time but what does the term really mean? It refers to the interactions and relationships between members which is crucial for the effective functioning of both the Board of Directors and teams within an organisation.
The right team or board dynamic can bring about change, stimulate growth, spark new ideas and create fresh thinking – which is great for an organisation where everyone is working well together, trusting and supporting their colleagues and fellow board members. Except... that doesn’t always happen.
What are the barriers that stop Board and team dynamics from operating smoothly and effectively?
Lack of teamwork: even the best, most skilled individuals don’t always operate effectively as a team.
Poor communication: working in silos which leads to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
No autonomy: continually turning to the CEO or other leaders for answers rather than making own decisions.
Micromanagement: hindering the team’s ability to function effectively.
Lack of support for individuals and their challenges.
Frustrations within the team.
Too many ‘yes men and women’; not enough diversity in thinking, personality, background.
People who have been promoted (because they were good at their job) without any training in management and leadership skills.
A foundation of trust enabling team/Board members to support each other, respecting and playing to each other’s strengths.
Communication that flows and where open, honest difference of opinion is possible and even encouraged.
Collaboration: effective teams foster a collaborative environment where members can openly share ideas, support each other, and work towards common goals.
A clear understanding of everyone’s roles and responsibilities.
Diversity – a mix of experience, background and styles of thinking leads to more options and a better understanding of situations.
Decision-making – a balance between consensus building and decisive action. Efficient decision-making processes are essential to avoid delays and stagnation.
Addressing team/Board dynamics takes commitment but if you get it right you create a focus where there is a shared vision to keep the momentum of the business moving forward in a positive and fruitful way.
There are many advantages to providing appropriate leadership development from outside of the organisation.
A leadership coach can…
Help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, your strengths, your impact and how to better connect with others
Clarify your values, vision and priorities
Challenge your assumptions, broaden your perspectives and encourage you to consider different viewpoints
Guide you to assess risks and make calculated decisions
Support you in building confidence
Hold you to account
Assist in developing leadership skills and competencies using proven frameworks
Support in developing emotional intelligence and resilience
Work with you as a team to understand the dynamics, strengths, gaps and styles an how to maximise them
Growth Plans® Ltd works with Boards from a variety of industries. The businesses are always profitable and comprise good, experienced directors and staff.
So why work with them? Because there is always potential! Potential to be even better. Potential to work together and flourish and be even more highly performing.
For you - dedicated time to access fresh thinking and build confidence in your decision-making
For your Leadership Team – instilling a coaching culture in the business – learning and practising coaching
For you - to better understand your values, triggers and what is important to you and then identify how to set you up for success
For your Leadership Team – improving self-awareness and trust – the first skill of leadership
For you – your own sounding board for working through challenges and gaining new ideas and perspectives
For your Leadership Team
Business improvement – identifying areas requiring improvement and collaboratively seeking solutions
Group coaching – learning to problem solve and improve communication
Collaborative techniques – to support each other through collaborative problem solving
Decision-making skills – empowering others within the business
Personal development skills workshops – varying from time management to neuroscience!
