Stay Open to New Ideas

Employers often seek people that can work with others as a team. Yet, some people have difficulty working with others in a team environment. Either they don't contribute to the discussion, or they attempt to control the dialogue.

Which type of team member are you?

Are you the team member who is reluctant to share your ideas? Perhaps a coworker received credit for your recommendation. Therefore, you have become possessive of your solutions for fear of someone else getting credit. Sometimes, others gain unintended benefits from our endeavors. Continue to share your thoughts and solutions. Be patient. In time you will receive the recognition you deserve.

You may be timid and lack the confidence to share your ideas for fear of being rejected or embarrassed. Speak up. It's ok to be embarrassed, and rejection is something we must face occasionally. Brush it off. Don't let fear hold you back and negatively affect your success.

Or do you think only your ideas are worthy of consideration? You may know people who think their way is the only way to do something. They won't even consider another's point of view. This narrow-minded approach demonstrates a lack of respect for others and can harm your career. Open your mind to the knowledge and experience others bring to the table and increase your chances of success.

Respect

When we respect others' opinions and are willing to listen and contribute, we learn new ideas and solutions. We begin to understand how others think.

When my sons played high school football, their team reviewed the opposing team's game tapes before the upcoming game. They talked all week about the strengths of the opposing team, often with admiration of their skill and abilities. The coaches used this information to prepare our team for the game. The boys learned new plays and increased their win probability. I was so proud of these young men. Like all competitors, they wanted victory, but they did not allow this drive to diminish their respect for the other team. After the game, everyone on our team shook hands with everyone from the other team. An important lesson they gained was that they could learn from others, even from their opponents.

A Stained Glass Window

Some things are clear-cut. There is only one correct answer or one working solution. But thank goodness, not everything is so strict. Life would be pretty dull if everything only had one option. Furthermore, if we never considered multiple options, where would technology be today?

The solution gained as a result of brainstorming is like a stained-glass window. Pieces of glass in all sizes and colors arrange to form a beautiful work of art that comes to life when lit up by the sun's rays. When we open our minds to others' inputs and research, we gather pieces of experience, options, creativity, and knowledge for a beautiful new solution or a new application of an old one.

Brainstorming is an excellent technique for teams to unlock creativity and solve problems. When most effective, people are free to express themselves, and their ideas are respectfully considered. Before long, ideas spark and build off other ideas until eventually, you have a solution resulting from everyone's contributions.

Be a Team Player

When we share our opinions and knowledge with our team, we open the door for learning. The sparked debates and emerged creativity build on each other’s ideas and takes our solutions to new heights. This new knowledge adds to our problem-solving toolbox. Furthermore, it increases our ability to get along with people when we don't always agree. Remember, when a team is successful, every member of the team shares in the success.

Our goal at Professionally Suited is to provide you tips and tools to help you enjoy career success. If you would like us to dig deeper into one of the areas mentioned above or would like to see future postings on a particular topic, email your request to us at connect@professionallysuited.com.

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