REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. -- Leaders must have teams to lead, so it was natural for the iLIFT class to focus on how different leadership traits affect teams, and on how to build strong teams that can have a positive impact on the mission.
The following are some of the lessons the AMCOM teambuilding iLIFT team learned about teamwork during their implementation of AMCOM's first-ever Organization Day 5K run. The team included Sharon Corcoran, an International Programs management specialist with AMCOM's Security Assistance Management Director; Erica Fowler, a management analyst in the Manpower Division of the Resource Management Directorate of the Army Materiel Command; Whitney Alexander, a contracting officer with the Army Contracting Command-Redstone; Seth Cole, a Supervisory Logistics management specialist with the AMCOM Logistics Center; and Michael Bateman, a navigation program integrator with Aviation Mission Equipment, Program Executive Office for Aviation.
Team Responsibility -- Teamwork is vital and at times requires team members to accept more than their share of responsibility to ensure the success of the mission, Corcoran said. Team members must commit to the mission and be willing to step up when necessary. "The success of the team is dependent upon the willingness of the members to work together for the success of the mission," she said.
Team Dynamics -- Every job and everyone on the team is important. Every team member has a contribution to make and a voice for input. "The team requires a level of commitment that is not always convenient but, regardless, the mission must be accomplished. Team members may not always agree, but at the end of the day, the team lead (or designee) must make the decision. At that point the team's responsibility is the successful execution of the mission," Corcoran said.
Team Leadership Opportunities -- Teamwork is all about give and take. Each team member should have the opportunity to be the leader, and to plan and delegate certain tasks, Alexander said. "Our team hasn't focused on just having one leader. We all are leaders and there seems to be a natural flow in our group," she said. "We've had a lot of logistical issues this year. Some of us have been TDY, participated in CES, worked overtime, and all of us have had personal and professional issues that have pulled us away from LIFT. We have pulled together, passed the torch where need be and supported each other." Regardless of the issue, the team remained dedicated to making the 5K successful. "Being a leader isn't about simply calling the shots. It's about rolling your sleeves up and jumping in the trenches, working side by side for the same goal," Alexander said.
Senior Leader Value to the Team -- The senior leaders' time is very valuable, but they are willing to share lessons learned, mentor employees and provide words of encouragement, Corcoran said. "Senior leaders are eager to share their experiences and advice," she said. "The level of management at the senior leader level is complicated and requires a much less detailed approach to problem solving. Senior leaders rely heavily on input from their subordinates who have all the details."
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