Teams and the 800 lb. Gorilla

Businesses encourage employees to move from traditional role cultures to team cultures. As part of this move, leaders transition from managers to coaches. Working on a high powered team (or a successful team) can be fun and can also result in greater productivity and improved results. Unfortunately, if someone does not fit into a team culture that individual may not succeed in the organization.

Even in the team culture, it is important to recognize that certain functions as well as certain individuals are not suited for team participation. Every organization has the 800 lb. Guerilla. The challenge is to maximize the contribution of each individual. Remember not to sacrifice overall productivity by constraining significant resources (800 lb. Gorillas).

Where do 800 lb. Gorillas perform the best?
- When support is not necessary.
- when independent thinking and quick decisions are required.
- when the task requires greater than normal effort.
- when risk is involved.
- when bureaucracy (policies and procedures) is a hindrance.

Welcome the 800 lb. Gorilla into your organization. There is a place and need for all.

Copyright 2009 - Jim Lindell