We’re approaching the time of year when you might set a resolution or intention. For the past ten years, I’ve set an intention and will do so again next year! But I’ll also be setting an intention with two of my favorite teams: my leadership team at Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting and my girls.
Like individual intentions, a team intention can be used as a touchstone throughout the year. Having one word or phrase can serve as a reminder of how a team wants to act with each other — especially when distractions, crises, or opportunities pop up.
If you’d like your team to be more Thoughtfully Fit next year, it starts with getting aligned on how you want to be as a team. Start by thinking about these two questions:
- What three words would you use to describe your team in this past year?
- What three words would you like to describe your team next year?
After you have your list, consider the following:
- How different or similar are the words in each of your lists?
- What would need to happen to make the words for next year be an accurate description of your team?
Choosing an intention creates an opportunity to hear the different perspectives of each team member. It’s also good practice in working to get aligned, making a decision, and committing to a direction. These are all essential skills necessary to be a high-performing team.
Next, ask your team members the exact same questions! Pro tip: send the questions in advance so they have time to think about them, rather than just springing it on them in a meeting (this will especially help those who are more internal processors and need time to reflect).
After everyone has come up with their lists, meet as a team to share your words and get aligned on your intention for the year (which is different than outlining your goals). The process of agreeing on your intention will prove beneficial throughout the year, even if it’s hard at the moment to narrow it down to one you all can get behind.
Choosing an intention creates an opportunity to hear the different perspectives of each team member. It’s also good practice in working to get aligned, making a decision, and committing to a direction. These are all essential skills necessary to be a high-performing team.
Let us know your team’s intention by filling out this survey. We’ll send you extra information throughout the year on how you can keep your team intention front and center.
Let us know your team’s intention by filling out this survey. We’ll send you extra information throughout the year on how you can keep your team intention front and center.
