Are Your Teams Ready to Compete?
Imagine your team as a relay squad in a high-stakes race. You’ve got the talent, the commitment, and the shiny uniforms—but when it’s time to pass the baton, there’s hesitation, miscommunication, and, ultimately, a dropped baton. It’s frustrating, right? That’s what happens when teams aren’t Thoughtfully Fit. They might have the raw skills, but without the right training, they can’t deliver when it counts.
This scenario isn’t just a one-off event. It’s a pattern that can derail even the most talented teams. Whether it’s a project that stalls because of unclear communication or a decision that lingers because team members aren’t on the same page, the result is the same—missed opportunities and lost momentum. In fact, a study by Fierce Inc. found that 86% of employees and executives cite a lack of collaboration or ineffective communication as the root cause of workplace failures.
The difference between a team that merely gets by and one that excels lies in how thoughtfully they approach their work, interactions, and challenges. That’s where the concept of Thoughtfully Fit for teams comes into play.
What Is Thoughtfully Fit?
Thoughtfully Fit is like a personal trainer for your team’s dynamics. This model developed by Darcy Luoma Coaching & Consulting, focuses on building the core strengths necessary for teams to thrive. Like physical fitness, where you need to build endurance, strength, and flexibility, Thoughtfully Fit helps teams develop trust, communication, and conflict skills.
Being Thoughtfully Fit for teams means more than being good at what you do. It’s about having the discipline, self-awareness, and strategic thinking to perform at your best, even under pressure. Think of it as the difference between a weekend jogger and an elite marathon runner—the latter isn’t just running faster, they’re running smarter. They understand their limits, know how to pace themselves, and can push through discomfort to achieve their goals.
In the same way, Thoughtfully Fit teams are not just about working harder. They’re about working smarter. They leverage their strengths, manage their weaknesses, and approach challenges with a clear, focused mind. This doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intentional effort, regular practice, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
What Does It Mean to Be a Thoughtfully Fit Team?
A Thoughtfully Fit team operates like a well-oiled machine. Picture a high-performing sports team: every member knows their role, communicates effectively, and adapts to challenges on the fly. They’ve practiced their plays, trust each other, and can handle the pressure when the game is on the line.
In the corporate world, this translates to teams aligned with their goals, clear on their roles, and equipped to handle conflicts constructively. They’re not just reacting to situations—they’re proactively managing them. These teams can pivot when needed, support each other through challenges, and stay focused on their objectives. In short, they’re built to win.
But becoming a Thoughtfully Fit team doesn’t happen overnight. It requires a shift in mindset—from simply doing the work to thoughtfully engaging with it. This means being aware of how you communicate, collaborate, and contribute to the team’s overall success. It’s about being present, mindful, and intentional in every interaction and decision.
Training to be a Thoughtfully Fit team doesn’t just lead to a better working environment and stronger employees. It benefits the organization and the bottom line. Gallup research shows that highly engaged teams show 23% greater profitability.
Building a Thoughtfully Fit Team
So, how do you get your team Thoughtfully Fit? Just like in physical training, it starts with the basics and addressing some traps that get in the way of team success.
Here are three key traps to watch out for:
Perception Deception
Teams often fall into the trap of assuming that everyone shares the same perspective on how things are going. Is collaboration working? Are we all headed in the same direction? Are we communicating effectively? The trap here is the belief that everyone on the team sees things the same way. In reality, people have different viewpoints based on their roles, experiences, and expectations.
Difficulty Dynamic
Everyone on the team brings their unique styles and approaches to work. This diversity can be a strength, but it often turns into a trap when differences are seen as difficulties rather than opportunities. The trap occurs when these differences are perceived as someone being difficult rather than a chance to leverage diverse perspectives for better results.
Debate Deficit
Healthy debate is essential for teams to thrive. It’s a good thing when people have different opinions—it means you’re getting a wider range of ideas and solutions. However, the trap is avoiding debate to maintain harmony, leading to groupthink. Groupthink might feel easier, but it rarely results in the best outcomes. Teams need to be able to debate the work, challenging each other’s ideas – without feeling personal or leading to personal attacks.
Train To Escape These Traps
It’s not uncommon for teams to get stuck in these traps. Thoughtfully Fit teams train to recognize when they are in the trap and have strategies to escape it. This takes work! However research shows team building and also team learning and reflection have the most substantial impact on team engagement and innovation. This benefits not only the team but also the organization.
Ready to Get Your Team Thoughtfully Fit?
If your team is ready to step up their game, it might be time to get Thoughtfully Fit. Whether you’re facing communication breakdowns, lack of accountability, or want to take your team from good to excellent, training to be a Thoughtfully Fit team can help you get there.
Ready to see how Thoughtfully Fit for Teams can transform your organization? Schedule a call with us today, and let’s get your team in shape for success.
Looking for more information about team development? Be sure to check out our Leader’s Guide to Building Stronger Teams.
