Happen to read this excellent book written by Ken Blanchard and would advise anyone who is interested in building best team to read it.
The three essential secrets shared by author for going Gung Ho are wonderful wisdom for any individual, coach\mentor or organization that wants to go Gung Ho!
Secret 1: The Spirit of the Squirrel – Worthwhile Work
Like the squirrels keep saving the seeds for the winter so that the community can survive, any work a person does should be worthwhile for him to be motivated to do it.
Even a trivial work like washing dishes in a restaurant is worthwhile if the person understands the fact that – by cleaning the dish properly, he is helping the hungry customers to eat food in hygiene environment and stay healthy.
- Knowing that the work he \she does makes the world better place is the best motivation for any individual
- Every one works toward a shared goal, with trust and focus – this builds self-esteem and discipline
- It is Values that guide all plans, decisions and actions (Remember that many of us see the challenge to inculcate agile values within the practices and processes)
Secret 2: The way of the Beaver – In control of achieving the goal
Every person is his own leader, when every person in the team understands his clear responsibility and ownership and is adequately challenged, the team is highly productive. They know what they are doing and will figure out how to do it best
- A level playing field with clearly marked territory – As each beaver is its own leader, it takes its position in repairing their dam, it does not dictate others what to do and aligns together with freedom
- Thoughts, needs and dreams are respected, listened and acted upon – the decision of every beaver is respected by other, everyone know where the best tree is, no one withholds information
- Able but challenged – it requires some stretch and unchartered situations to keep everyone happy. The challenge brings the focus and energy to get it done
Secret 3: The Gift of the Goose – Cheering others on
When every person in the team openly recognizes the individual’s and team’s success spontaneously with individual attention specific for the outcome he\she produced, the individual and team get their best motivation and also give it back to others. In this process entire team goes gung ho with best working culture.
- True Recognition and appreciation. Timely, responsive, unconditional and enthusiastic recognition and appreciations make the workplace gung ho.
- No Score, No Game and cheer the progress. It is very essential we have a way to measure and score the progress for success. Scoring and cheering makes the team excited and productive
- e= mc^2, Enthusiasm equals mission times cash and congratulations. Having worthwhile work, cheering each other and fulfilled material needs creates the right enthusiasm for every person
In summary, when every person recognizes and understands the value of work he does, is in control of his work, adequately challenged and gets the right timely recognition, then the individual and his team goes Gung Ho becoming the best individual, team and Organization in the world !!.
Let us spread the secrets of going Gung Ho!!
My Musings ! 