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Freedom. Liberty. Independence.

On this day in the United States we celebrate our independence from Great Britain. We think of the forefathers of this country in reverence. In many respects they were just ordinary people living in extraordinary times, and made significant contributions in shaping the freedoms we enjoy.

The founding of our country created a government that protected individual freedom. It was not just independence from Great Britain, but true independence. For me, I admire the individuals that had the initiative to capture the spirit of liberty in the words and documents that created the United States.

Freedom is not only how we live, but how we treat others. As Nelson Mandela said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”

Abraham Lincoln said, “The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other mens labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatable things, called by the same name liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by two different and incompatable names liberty and tyranny.”

On this Independence Day, I think it is important to think about how you respect the rights and freedoms of all people. You would want them to respect yours.

 

A great team works together to achieve their mission. They place the team goal above their own goal. This week, take a look at your team. Is everyone fully committed to achieve the mission? Strengthen your role as a team player and strengthen your team’s ability to be successful with these challenges.

1. Make the mission everyone’s goal. Sometimes the mission is not clear. It must be repeated constantly. Every team action needs to be linked to achieving the goal. Make sure every member contributes, and find supporting tasks that keep people from standing on the sidelines.

2. Eliminate distractions that get in the way of the objective. Distractions can be caused by gossip, conflicting messages, negative attitudes, and competing goals. You can help a team by eliminating distractions as soon as they appear. Squash gossip by calling all affected people to openly discuss issues. Eliminate negative attitudes by bringing your positive attitude to the forefront, and by providing recognition and praise to team members when earned. Any conflicting messages or conflicting goals should be addressed immediately. Align the team actions and the mission.

3. Make the team goal the main goal. Don’t let the team get sidetracked by obstacles. Some obstacles can get in the way and create an opportunity for people to forget about the big picture, the main mission. Don’t let an individual’s objective outweigh the team objectives. Reward and recognize team accomplishments above individual accomplishments until the mission is achieved.

4. Contribute your best. You can set the example for those around you. Give 100% and never less. Stay focused on the objective. Help your team members be successful. Help everyone achieve together. Assist those that are falling behind. The team is only as strong as its weakest player. Use your energy to make the team stronger.

 

“All winning teams are goal-oriented. Teams like these win consistently because everyone connected with them concentrates on specific objectives. They go about their business with blinders on; nothing will distract them from achieving their aims. “ – Lou Holtz

Servant leadership is a popular topic in leadership subjects, but also applies to teams. Make your actions serve the team, and the team will be more successful. Here are four ways you can improve your service:

1. Focus on Collaboration. Give up some of your independence, and become more inclusive. Integrate everyone into the team tasks, and increase the buy-in for the team goals. If you can find solutions that are driven by cooperation instead of competition, your team will increase its work effectiveness.

2. Eliminate the Gossip. Internal politics, rumors, and gossip are all destructive forces within a team. When a discussion turns to rumors, find a way to extinguish the negativity. Refocus the energy on the team goals.

3. Develop Team Spirit. Keep the team attitude positive. Develop loyalty to the team, not to an individual. Give recognition and praise. Celebrate the victories along the way.

4. Give of Yourself. Be generous with your time, your effort, and your skills. Add value to the other members. Share your expertise, and work to develop the team skills. Make the team’s success your personal goal for success.

 

A successful mentoring relationship is based on a plan. If you are just meeting your mentee occasionally without a specific plan, you are not as effective as you can be. A great mentoring relationship is built on plan to help, grow, lead your mentee.

If you don’t have a plan, consider these three points to get started.

1. Sharing – What meaningful experiences do you have that would benefit your mentee? How can you convey the story of your experience so that it connects with your mentee so that they understand the significance?

2. Development – What area of development does your mentee need that you can provide guidance? What knowledge, skills, experiences do they need? How can you help them develop in this area?

3. Coaching – If you only tell your story and your opinions, your effectiveness will be limited. A person is more likely to follow through on a plan if it is their plan. Ask questions of your mentee. Listen to their aspirations, and let them create and commit to their own growth plan.

Finding the right blend of these three areas will be different for each person, but excluding one of them will limit your effectiveness as a mentor.