Tuesday, June 26, 2018

Building Capacity

At times capacity is hindered by lack of communication, dishonesty, secrecy, and disrespect. When people don't feel like they are valued or respected members of a team, capacity wanes and collaboration suffers. On the other hand there is a lot we can do to build capacity in our organizations, teams, and efforts. That good capacity relies on the following attributes:
  • Timely, meaningful share. For example when all members of the team are aware of the goals, avenues for share/exploration, and the data and statistics related to their individual and collected work, capacity grows.
  • Shared questions and goals. It's important that everyone on the team knows what the shared goals are and the questions that relate to those goals are.
  • Timelines. Similarly it's imperative that everyone understands the timelines the team and organization are working with.
  • Autonomy, mastery, and purpose. There has to be respectful open lines of communication that respects each member's perspective, experience, questions, and direction. 
When systems are too tight leaving little room for voice, choice, creativity, or leadership, capacity suffers, on the other hand, when all team members are respected and included in the integral work of a team or organization, capacity grows and positively impacts the work and contribution possible.