In Sync

Much has been said about like minded people doing business with one another. And the same can be said for your own team. Building one that is in sync with one another is key in today’s ever changing business world.

Early in my corporate banking career, I made it a point to scope out items in an owner’s office that defined their likes. One had a photo of a small plane, another had walls lined with animal heads, another had actual dogs in the office. Trying to bond with a client can take many forms. But, this was my key to success. Identify their interests, their likes by scanning their office for clues. Spot one, ask relevant questions, and show you have an interest in understanding their hobbies. It usually panned out favorably.

In today’s world of at home video meetings, you can tell a lot by the items behind the person. Books, which ones? Background barking, what type of dog(a)? Color scheme of the room where their call happens, that can often shed some light on their temperament and risk taking. Look for these things in your next video call. Your idea of some of the participants can change based on your assessment now.

In times that can be politically volatile, best to steer clear of direct confrontation. However, seeking out the choices of your teammates that are of interest to you can be a form of bonding. Find the areas that overlap and focus on those. It will be less stress and will help both of you understand one another better.

Our swimming dogs in today’s photo are an in sync perspective that looks effortless as they all have the same goal - reach the other end. All are of different breeds, yet with a common goal, they can achieve an effortless end goal. We can learn a lot from this photo!

Be like Ziggy, Bessie, and Bobo - find a common goal and reach it sooner by being in sync with one another. It will work in the pool and in your business.

Be well.