Hey All! I just got back from the 54th annual Environmental Design Research Association conference held at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) in beautiful Mexico City. What an incredible experience it was! I had the privilege of presenting with PLAYCE Studio, Ltd. and the talented Joy Kuebler on Community Engagement that Centers on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and while this is certainly a hot topic, it is not the reason for this post today.
The reason I’m writing this post is because I wanted to share my reflections on the four amazing days I spent with individuals from all around the world who are doing groundbreaking work in their respective fields. Among the attendees were university professors, practitioners, and even students presenting their research mainly for their Ph.D. programs. I was truly impressed by these individuals and the remarkable scope of their work.
What struck me the most was the warm reception and inclusivity I experienced as a speaker. I never felt like an outsider, even though it was my first time attending. I was embraced and introduced to many new people. The atmosphere was one of support and collaboration, with everyone genuinely interested in each other’s success. It reminded me of a point in my career when I had a similar experience with my work team.
Back At The Waterpark
Let me take you back to a time when I was working at a waterpark. The summer season had just ended, and many of our staff had left to go back to school. There was still programming and regular duties happening but at a much smaller volume and slower pace. Each person that remained had a different project based on their job responsibilities and the goals set by the management team. We would gather every other week to share progress, provide feedback, and offer additional resources.
What made this team special was the absence of competition. We were given the freedom to work independently or form partnerships as we saw fit, based on our schedules and workloads. We naturally checked in with each other, offering assistance and guidance in between our regularly scheduled meetings. We all felt a sense of ownership over our projects while recognizing our shared responsibility for the team’s success. We understood that the failure of one project reflected on all of us, and that was something none of us wanted. We aimed to celebrate success as a team, working together and openly communicating our needs. Those projects that we set out to accomplish ended up being some of the most collaborative projects of that part of my career. To this day, that particular off-season remains one of the most memorable and fulfilling experiences of my career.
This Didn’t Happen By Accident
Creating such teams and fostering such environments is not a matter of chance. It requires time, careful planning, and deliberate effort to cultivate a shared responsibility for each team member’s success. Before that unforgettable summer, we had worked hard and laid the foundation for a strong team that looked out for one another. We held weekly team meetings, pre-shift gatherings for all staff, and individual meetings every week. We entrusted our front-line managers with significant responsibility and empowered them to accomplish their tasks effectively. We encouraged them to seek assistance when needed, and asking for help was never met with criticism, just lighthearted teasing. Mistakes were seen as opportunities for growth, and we coached our team members instead of reprimanding them. Whenever they encountered a problem, they came to us seeking guidance to rectify the situation and ensure it didn’t happen again. Most often they came with a possible solution in hand.
Teams like the one I experienced at the waterpark are the aspiration of many managers out there, and they are indeed achievable. However, it takes a conscious effort to teach, encourage, and empower your team to succeed in their unique ways while embracing the notion that success is interconnected.
The EDRA conference served as a powerful reminder of the incredible things that can be accomplished when individuals come together with a shared mission. At High Road Management Training, we wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy, and we believe in creating teams that embody the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. By empowering team members, celebrating their successes, and supporting their growth, we can achieve remarkable things and make a positive difference in the world, one project at a time.
Thank you for joining me on this reflection. I am eager to hear your thoughts and experiences on building strong and collaborative teams. Together, let’s continue working towards a future where success is shared, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
