The 4-member management team of an executive search firm came to me: "Will you help us form a strong team?" New composition, many changes and a market moving at lightning speed - no time to waste. High performance is the only option.

So... gas up? No. Brake first.

We started with Management Drives, a method that gives insight into what drives people, how they think and cooperate. 'Colours' provide a common language, suddenly making conversations about behaviour and cooperation much easier and more effective.

And yes, like many teams, they wanted to dive straight into the differences: Where do we clash? Where do we irritate each other? How do we fix this quickly?

But I shut them down first. Literally.

💡 For each colleague, write down what you appreciate about him or her.
Dead silence. Pens over paper. Frowning faces.

This team finally had two hours of quality time. Time to really listen, laugh and have honest conversations. Where are things already going well? Where are the opportunities? And how do we make room for everyone's talent?

And then one of them fell silent. Searching for words for a moment, and then:

💬 "This is the most important job of my career. I want this team to be right. You guys are precious to me."

Four completely different personalities. One introvert. How does he put his thoughtful stamp on this powerful management force? From a positive intention, he was showered with well-meaning advice: "Speak up more! Show yourself!"

But does that really work?

Sometimes growth lies in daring to face discomfort. In really seeing the other person. In learning to read what is not immediately said.

  • What do you need to be full on this team?
  • How do we harness each other's strengths without overpowering each other?
  • And how do we make this not just a conversation, but a lasting change?

In six weeks, we will see each other again. I am curious: will this be a truly high-performing team... or will they remain stuck in good intentions? At TLAB, we enhance the real conversation and ensure that insight leads to action. That's where the transformational power lies. Read more about our team approach!

Boost your team

Ready to take your team to the next level? Start the journey to high performance and lasting impact today. Feel free to contact Justa de Graaff by phone or email.

+31 6 511 973 59 Justa de Graaff