How We Work: Establishing the Rules, Routines, and Rhythms Needed for Team Alignment
As a leader, one of the most crucial conversations you can have with your team is the "How We Work" talk. This tough but essential discussion lays the foundation for your team's alignment and success. According to a recent poll by Bravium HD, 54% of professionals only "sometimes" engage in this conversation, often diving straight into work and missing the chance to set clear expectations from the start. While skipping this talk might not cause immediate issues, over time, misunderstandings, lack of clarity, and hurt feelings can emerge, leading to dysfunction. Phillip K. James, President of WEG Transformers USA, wisely notes, “You must have the tough conversation. Rarely does it improve by itself naturally, so be a leader. The organization will be negatively affected by you not having the conversation.”
The Essential Elements of "How We Work"
Rules: These are the agreements that hold everyone accountable and help you deliver on your strategy and goals. Rules should outline behaviors that challenge the team in new ways, pushing everyone towards growth and high performance.
Routines: These are the repeated actions designed to reinforce the agreed-upon behaviors. Routines help you live out the rules daily and see them in action. They are the heartbeat of your team's workflow, ensuring consistency and reliability.
Rhythms: This refers to how often a leader connects with the team to gain feedback on the effectiveness of the rules and routines. The "How We Work" conversation isn't a one-time event; it requires regular check-ins to ensure the agreements are still serving the team well. Different team members will have different needs, so it’s vital to establish a rhythm that works for everyone.
The Importance of Timing
No matter your role in an organization, having the "How We Work" conversation is essential. It could be leader to direct report, peer to peer, within a project team, or across disciplines. The best time to have this talk is at the beginning of a new relationship—whether that’s a new hire, a new project, a new team, or a new reporting structure. This conversation provides the foundation for building effective relationships. However, many leaders start this conversation only to abandon it over time, failing to revisit the agreements, see the routines in action, or adjust the rhythm. Consistency is key.
Conclusion
The "How We Work" conversation is a vital component of my framework for turning tough talks into brave conversations for exceptional leadership results. By intentionally setting rules, routines, and rhythms, you create a roadmap for your team's success. This proactive approach not only fosters good relationships and high performance but also helps you tackle any challenges together. Remember, bravery isn't just about grand gestures; it's about making small, intentional acts that lead to significant impact. So, roll up your sleeves and have the "How We Work" conversation—your team will thank you for it.