Avoid the discordant tune

Team dynamics can be an interesting phenomenon. There are those who see things differently from the mainstream idea. People like that may not follow popular opinions or group thinking. They think independently for themselves, bring different perspectives to issues and prompt questions that help shape ideas. You and I need people like that in our teams. We need those who bring a diversity of opinions to the table where crucial matters are discussed. Meanwhile, I observed a paradox. Diversity of opinion may not necessarily translate to positive outcomes, especially when it is overdone. There is no need to always play a discordant tune when the music is going steady. When people offer perspectives without holistic thinking, there may be no progress.

Have you imagined what it would look like if we were diverse in opinions but worked in harmony, toward the same goal? Sometimes, what others need from us is our cooperation, our support for the matter at hand. It is not in every situation that we need to look for an alternative opinion. Once we have determined to work together on something worthwhile, then everyone should think about how to make positive contributions. In fact, your diversity of thought should be such that you are looking for ways to make the matter successful. As much as it is possible, you and I need to learn how to work with others in a cooperative, attuned manner, free from dissent and negativity.
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Great things happen when we work together in agreement. Think about your team, your co-workers, your family, or your community. There are many ways you can engage with others in a good-natured way. Your pleasantness, cooperation and support for other people will go a long way in building something that works for everyone. In every way possible, let us ensure that whatsoever we bring to the table contributes to the progress and eventual success of the matter we are involved in. Those you work with do not really need you to be at variance with them. They need your cooperation instead.

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Actions for the week

1. Considering your work team, family, or sports team, think about a decision that needs to be made and how you can contribute positively to it.
2. While bringing different perspectives to your team, determine that you will contribute in a way that promotes progress and success.
3. Share this message with those in your network.

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A quote to remember
"No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it." – H.E. Luccock

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Until another time,
Dele Ola, Award-Winning Author of Be A Change Agent
​Click HERE to learn about and get copies of Dele’s Books