Norms and Values

Teams on the Way Down	Teams on the Way Up
Team members acquiesce to a decision but don’t unify to make the decision successful – or worse, undermine it after the fact	Team members unify behind a decision once made, then work to make the decision succeed, even if they vigorously disagreed with it

Frances recommended that the leader make sure that the norms for decision making are established as early as possible in the life of a team. She urged that members be a part of the development of norms and to encourage the team to enforce them. John and Frances agreed that people need to understand that they will always have their say but not necessarily their way. If the team fails to enforce the norms, it is important for the leader to hold them to account.

Lon underscored the importance of regular reference to district beliefs, mission, and vision, in the development and implementation of decisions. Ann added the importance of the leader clarifying upfront those things which are or are not negotiable.

Recognition

Teams on the Way Down	Teams on the Way Up
Team members seek as much credit as possible for themselves, yet do not enjoy the confidence and admiration of their peers	Each team member credits other people for success, yet enjoys the confidence and admiration of his or her peers

Panel members were in agreement that in order to assure that the organization to continue on the way up that leaders must serve as models, giving credit to other people for success. However, Luis offered that while even small successes need to be recognized, praise must be viewed by the team as sincere.

Lon talked of the importance of the leader giving credit to others while assuming blame when results come up short. Frances described the importance of the leader seeking a culture in which everyone shares success and that credit is given and received personally and as a group. John and Luis acknowledged that this factor is always a work in progress because of turf and ego issues. Where individuals persist in violating this goal, the leader must council and coach to clarify expectations.