Last week, I wrote about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who positively influence you to achieve your desired impact. This week, as promised, I’ve turned my attention to staff connections.

If we apply Jim Rohn’s thinking that ‘You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with’ to your leadership team, how will you create a team dynamic that lifts everyone’s performance?

As Michael Fullan says, “Use the group to change the group.”

The desire is a strong team culture where members can challenge and coach each other to achieve higher performance.

What’s not ok is everyone being blissfully happy.

Maintaining a comfortable status quo.

No one rocks the boat.

Or gives critical feedback.

Or dares to have a dissenting point of view.

Which is exactly what is needed in a balanced, healthy team to avoid ‘Group Think’.

Without it tipping too far towards a toxic culture of criticism.

Strong connections built on trust with agreed ways of working and communicating are essential.

Use the first quarter of the year to set the foundations in your team.