NOTE: This message was emailed to Ballad Health team members on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Dear Colleague,
How well a team functions often comes down to the people we work with every day and the relationships we build with them. When we know and respect the people around us, recognize the strengths they bring and take responsibility for our part of the work, together we can build a team where people can depend on one another.
As we continue to work through the Team and Personal Reliability skill in the Advanced Team Collaboration program, this week’s B Excellent tip looks at practical ways each of us can strengthen team reliability and contribute to a stronger, more connected team
This week’s tip
Team and Personal Reliability Tip #3: How to Build Team Reliability
Team reliability starts with getting to know the people around us. Our teammates bring different experiences, perspectives, skills and strengths to their work. Taking the time to learn about the whole person, rather than focusing only on someone’s job responsibilities, can help us understand one another and work together more effectively.
We can also build team reliability by recognizing and using each other’s strengths. Pay attention to what your teammates do well, look for opportunities to support those strengths and be willing to ask for their input or expertise. A strong team gives people opportunities to contribute in the areas where they can have the greatest impact.
Sharing credit is another important part of being a reliable teammate. Recognize the people who helped make a success possible and acknowledge their contributions. When something goes wrong, take responsibility for your part and be willing to learn from the experience. Giving credit freely and owning our mistakes helps build trust and creates an environment where people can work through challenges together.
Call to action
Choose one strategy for building team reliability and put it into practice this week:
- Get to know a teammate beyond their job responsibilities.
- Look for an opportunity to recognize and support someone’s strengths.
- Intentionally share credit and responsibility.
Then, take a few minutes to reflect on how your choice affected your team dynamic.
Think about the kind of teammate you are. Are you someone who recognizes the contributions of others? Do you make room for your teammates’ strengths and ideas? Are you willing to take responsibility when something doesn’t go as planned?
Small actions like these can strengthen the trust within a team. Getting to know the people around you, recognizing what they bring to the team, sharing credit and taking responsibility all contribute to a workplace where teammates can count on one another.
B Excellent Podcast
If you haven’t listened yet, check out the latest episode of the B Excellent Podcast. Aaron and Josh sit down with Tammy Albright, CEO of Behavioral Health, and Eric Carroll, CEO of Greene County, to discuss their unique leadership journeys and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. The conversation also takes a closer look at a significant event in our region’s healthcare history – the consolidation of two hospitals into one in Greeneville. Tammy shares her experience leading the consolidation effort, while Eric reflects on stepping into leadership after the merger to help guide the organization’s continued transition. Together, they offer valuable insights on navigating change, building trust and leading teams through complex challenges with a focus on delivering exceptional care and service.
Find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and on the Practicing Excellence app.
