TBD 100: Huddle up, team.
We pass a milestone. Teamwork makes the dream work.
So this is it! 100 issues of TBD (give or take).
It’s been my pleasure to create and share this newsletter with you. We’re all living in uncertain times personally and professionally, and community becomes more and more important. We know we’re better together. Would you forward this to one person who might enjoy TBD?
I’ve seen a lot of commentary about teams falling apart, the demise of culture due to WFH, budget cuts and a deeply transactional spirit in the workplace that is more interested in burning people out than building bridges or making investments in teams.
But I don’t think we can give up that easily. We need teams. We’re on teams! Many of us LEAD teams!
We rarely go it alone. These days every problem needs all brains online, but how to we get the brains to think together to effectively and creatively solve the complex problems we face?
Over the coming weeks, I’ll dive into team topics to take a closer look. Even if you’re a solo designer, a contractor or someone who works for themselves, these conversations are relevant as you deal with clients, cross functional team members and others.
Here's a checklist of questions to ask yourself about YOUR teams:
What makes a strong team?
Do I really know? How do I know?
Do we have a shared care?
What is a shared care, anyway?
What does this group care about taking care of?
Beyond advancement?
What are we committed to accomplishing together?
ARE we committed to accomplishing something together?
Has that commitment changed?
How do we hold ourselves accountable for resolving challenges?
Can we effectively unblock and support each other?
Can we give feedback to each other in order to improve?
Like, the tough feedback?
Do we have trustworthy relationships?
And what if the answer is "kinda?"
Do we have confidence that we can really depend on one another?
Do we have joy?
Does joy mean we're working less hard or taking things less seriously?
Can we bring creativity and possibility to the challenges we face?
Leading and managing teams can be incredibly impactful. After all, you're unlocking more talent and creativity, more satisfaction, deeper relationships and more joy. If you're a leader, you know that folks look to you to help set the tone, establish the culture and uphold the right environment.
But that can feel like a lot to take on alone. Let's break it down over the coming weeks and dig into making this easier and more inspiring.
Pod Three-peat?
I returned to Unserious Pod for a third time to talk about not just telling your story, but owning it.
Listen to Unserious Upshots here.
RETHINK - Friday, October 18!
Our monthly group continues to unpack challenges, learn new skills and hear what others in the industry are facing.
Join us this October!
Women’s Leadership Circle - Get on the list for the 2025 Spring Cohort!
The women's leadership group for fall is full, but we'll open registration again in March. Come join us.
Learn more about the March 2025 group.