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Teams can execute better and faster than traditional hierarchies. They have the power to increase productivity and morale or destroy it. Working effectively, a team can make better decisions, solve more complex problems, and do more to enhance creativity and build skills than individuals working alone. The team is the only unit that has the flexibility and resources to respond quickly to changes that have become commonplace in today’s world. -Ken Blanchard, Leading at a Higher Level
Fiction Writing Prompt: Write an inspiring story or scene about team work.
Journaling Prompt: Write about your best experience as part of a team.
Art Prompt: The Power of Teams
Non-Fiction / Speechwriting Prompt: Inspire your audience to join a team.
Photo Credit: lumaxart on Flickr
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When you hear the word “couple” you probably think of romance. But there are all kinds of couples in the world. From the partnerships in the police department to writers and editors, I call these non-romantic couples “odd couples.” Here’s an excerpt from a Rolling Stone essay about war that features an odd couple.
“Shut up, Person,” Colbert says, peering intently at the dust-blown expanse, his M-4 rifle pointed out the window. Colbert and Person get along like an old married couple. Being a rank lower than Colbert, Person can never directly express anger to him, but on occasions when Colbert is too harsh and Person’s feelings are hurt, the driving of the Humvee suddenly becomes erratic. There are sudden turns, and the brakes are hit for no reason. It will happen even in combat situations, with Colbert suddenly in the role of wooing his driver back with retractions and apologies. -Evan Wright, The Killer Elite
Writing Prompt: Write a scene with an odd couple. Focus on their dialogue and interaction.
Journaling Prompt: Write about a time you were part of an odd couple or about an odd couple that you know.
Art Prompt: Odd Couple
Photo Credit: The National Guard on Flickr
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Some people are natural leaders, but it’s important to know whether their leadership derives from a motivation of service or narcissism.
“Narcissism can sometimes be useful in a leader, says Nevicka. In a crisis, for instance, people feel that a strong, dominant person will take control and do the right thing, ‘and that may reduce uncertainty and diminish stress.’
“But in the everyday life of an organization, ‘communication — sharing of information, perspectives, and knowledge — is essential to making good decisions. In brainstorming groups, project teams, government committees, each person brings something new. That’s the benefit of teams. That’s what creates a good outcome.’ Good leaders facilitate communication by asking questions and summarizing the conversation — something narcissists are too self-involved to do.
“Nevicka says the research has implications beyond the workplace — for instance, in politics. ‘Narcissists are very convincing. They do tend to be picked as leaders. There’s the danger: that people can be so wrong based on how others project themselves. You have to ask: Are the competencies they project valid, or are they merely in the eyes of the beholder?’” -Science Daily
Writing Prompt: Create a character sketch for both a servant leader and a narcissistic leader. How do they differ?
Journaling Prompt: Write about leaders you have worked with and their motivations.
Art Prompt: Narcissistic leader
Photo Credit: Beverly & Pack on Flickr
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