June 16, 2024

255: Real Teams vs. Performance Groups with James Scouller

25 minutes

James Scouller, executive coach and author of 'How to Build Winning Teams Again and Again,' joins us to discuss the intricacies of team building. James explains the differences between real teams and performance groups, and shares actionable insights on optimizing team performance. Discover the essential elements for creating high-performing teams and learn how to navigate the complexities of team dynamics.

SHOW NOTES:

James Scouller, an ex-CEO who’s been coaching leaders and their teams for 20 years, has released something unusual in the world of books: a nonfiction trilogy. It’s titled How To Build Winning Teams Again And Again. He says they’re the three books he wished he’d read 40 years ago. It’s the first series of handbooks to explain the psychology, action principles and roadmaps behind team success. Book #1 explains what you need to KNOW about teams and their psychology. Book #2 outlines what you need to DO to nail the psychological issues explained in book 1 and build teams that last. Book #3 explains HOW to apply Book #2’s models. James has two postgraduate coaching qualifications and trained in applied psychology at the UK Institute of Psychosynthesis. He also holds a 4th Dan black belt in Aikido. He lives near London with his wife, Tricia.

In this podcast for managers and executive leadership, Audrey, Lee and James Scouller discuss:

The Difficulty of Building Teams: Building a team is not a natural or easy process. It requires understanding the subterranean psychological forces at play, both at the individual and collective levels, and finding a way to direct these forces.

The Role of Conflict in Teams: Conflict is a natural part of any high performing team. Avoiding conflict and focusing solely on maintaining harmony can lead to stagnation and lack of decision-making.

The Importance of Clear Goals: Teams need to have a clear understanding of their purpose and primary goal. This clarity helps to align team members and drive their collective efforts towards achieving the goal.

The Concept of Pseudo Teams: Pseudo teams are work groups that decide to be a team without having a clear goal. They focus on unanimity and being civil with each other, which often leads to lack of decision making and commitment.

The Unique Challenges of Senior Teams: Senior teams often find it harder to form than other teams due to their reluctance to be challenged by a peer and fear of losing their autonomy. Understanding their unique goal and not conflating it with the organization's goal can help in forming a successful senior team.

FREE DOWNLOAD FOR MANAGE SMARTER LISTENERS FROM JAMES! https://leadershipmasterysuite.com/ms/

“(A team should) always know what it's basically for. As the French call it the raison d'etre, the reason for being..” – James Scouller

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Connect with James Scouller

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https://www.youtube.com/3LevelsofLeadership

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesscouller/

https://x.com/JAMESSCOULLER

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