All it takes is one person to invite a group to be a team.

One person can ask for shared clarity about the collective task before members assume individual assignments. One person can ask others “What’s in it for you to be on this team this time?” One person can request personal promises that support performing as a team.

Are you the one?

One person can ask the other team members what kind of results they require. One person can suggest prioritizing agenda items and budgeting available time. One person can step up to a white board and record key information for the team.

All it takes is one.

One person can retain a frame of abundance over scarcity. One person can remain unthreatened by disagreement while inviting others to remain committed through differences. One person can see a breakthrough approaching when others see only Q-U-I-T.

Are You the One?

One person can operate from “above the line” and invite others to do the same. One person can communicate faith in her teammates when they feel none. One person can shine a light on opportunity for sharing responsibility.

All it takes is one.

One person can suggest 5 minutes of silent brainstorming on sticky notes. One person can Call It! when another member violates the team. One person can ask “What unites us so in outcome that none can claim personal victory until it is accomplished?”

One person can.

You.

Get Started With This 5-Minute Practice Tip

If your team isn’t working for you, then there’s probably something you can do about it that you haven’t yet tried.

What is it and what will it take to step up and try it?

Leaders and coaches: Get Christopher’s best team building and leadership strategies collected over two-plus decades of solving teamwork problems for smart people. Attend the acclaimed Creating Results-Based Teams workshop, or get this FREE Special Report while it lasts: The Five Flawless Steps to Building a Strong Executive Leadership Team.

Christopher Avery, PhD, is a recognized authority on how individual and shared responsibility works in the mind and an advisor to leaders worldwide.