Coaching for Leaders - Episode 714: Team Collaboration and Communication with Bonnie Stachowiak

Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: Dave Stachowiak
Guest: Bonnie Stachowiak

In Episode 714 of Coaching for Leaders, host Dave Stachowiak is joined by Bonnie Stachowiak to delve into pressing questions from listeners about team collaboration and communication. This episode, titled "Team Collaboration and Communication," offers valuable insights and practical strategies for leaders navigating the complexities of remote work, fostering engagement in collaborative groups, and managing demanding stakeholders. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Enhancing Workplace Chat Groups for Remote Teams

Listener Question:
Josh inquires about optimizing Microsoft Teams for remote workers to serve both as a help desk and a platform for employee engagement. He highlights issues with overlooked conversations and disengaged team members.

Key Insights:

• Establish Clear Expectations and Purpose:
  Dave reflects on traditional communication methods, emphasizing that while technology evolves, foundational principles remain crucial. He recounts using a three-ring binder for shift notes, underscoring the importance of clear expectations and purpose.
  “One is it was very clear on the expectation... The other thing that was true of that is it was very clear what it was for.” ([02:00])

• Define Communication Channels:
  Bonnie suggests that organizations should have a strategic approach to how different channels are utilized. Instead of overextending a single platform like Teams, consider specialized tools like Zendesk for help desk functionalities. This ensures that work remains visible and organized.
  “Try to resist just managing this over email... There will need to be some sort of a home for where things live.” ([07:01])

• Assign Ownership to Channels:
  Assigning someone to lead or facilitate conversations within chat channels can enhance engagement. This proactive approach ensures that discussions remain active and that team members feel heard.
  “Having someone that's owning or leading that conversation... being curious, it's just not enough to set up a channel and to expect people to engage with it.” ([06:10])

Notable Quote:
Bonnie emphasizes the importance of using the right tool for the right purpose:
“Your collaborative work visibility in such a way as to identify when or if loops have been closed...” ([09:00])

2. Fostering Engagement in Faculty Learning Communities

Listener Question:
Lily seeks advice on structuring initial sessions for innovation groups in higher education to enhance engagement and secure buy-in from busy faculty members.

Key Insights:

• Focus on Purpose:
  Bonnie references Priya Parker's The Art of Gathering, advocating for a laser-focused purpose in meetings. Establishing clear intentions can counteract common objections like, “I’m too busy.”

• Build Trust and Relationships First:
  Dave recommends starting sessions with personal introductions or activities that foster trust before diving into work-related tasks. This approach aligns with Priya Parker's idea of elevating conversations beyond mere professional interactions.
  “First of setting the tone for what you're about to do... building a bit of trust with each other.” ([12:05])

• Utilize Structured Exercises:
  Drawing from Patrick Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Dave suggests using personal histories exercises to help team members get to know each other on a deeper level. This can set a strong foundation for collaborative work.
  “It's a very simple set of questions... bringing a team or group together for the first time.” ([17:00])

• Leverage Existing Models:
  Bonnie points out that Lily's initiative resembles Faculty Learning Communities (FLCs)—peer-led groups that support collaborative learning and cultural change within academic institutions. Incorporating established frameworks like FLCs can provide structure and proven strategies for engagement.
  “They are peer-led groups of faculty members... takes a lot of pressure off of you and puts a lot more healthy pressure back to the learning that can only happen in groups.” ([22:30])

Notable Quote:
Bonnie underscores the balance between task and relationship focus:
“Do you tend to focus more on the tasks that need to get done or the relationships that need to get cultivated?” ([32:24])

3. Managing Demanding Major Donors While Setting Boundaries

Listener Question:
Nicole seeks guidance on handling a major donor whose expectations for a personal relationship are overwhelming and unsustainable for her team, all while maintaining their essential support.

Key Insights:

• Acknowledge the 80/20 Principle:
  Dave highlights the reality that a small percentage of stakeholders often demand a disproportionate amount of attention. Recognizing this can help in strategizing responses.
  “20% of the people are going to require 80% of the work.” ([25:36])

• Categorize Requests:
  Bonnie advises Nicole to differentiate between requests that align with the organization's mission and those that do not. This categorization helps in setting clear boundaries and prioritizing tasks that genuinely support the nonprofit’s goals.
  “If you're getting a lot of requests from a donor that don't have things to do with serving the organization... that's not a benefit to anyone.” ([29:00])

• Implement the "Sunset" Strategy:
  Dave introduces the concept of “sunsetting” certain requests or services that are no longer feasible or within the scope of the organization’s mission. This approach provides a respectful way to reduce unnecessary demands without severing relationships abruptly.
  “We're going to sunset doing some of this particular work or responding to this particular request.” ([32:24])

• Set Tactical Boundaries:
  Dave recommends introducing small changes, such as delaying responses to non-critical requests, to gradually reset the expectations of the demanding donor. This can reduce the pressure on the team while maintaining professionalism.
  “Putting a little bit of space on some things and you may try that and just see...” ([30:00])

Notable Quote:
Dave emphasizes the importance of aligning donor requests with organizational goals:
“If they're taking your team's time to do things that aren't in alignment with the purpose and the mission of the organization.” ([25:36])

4. Recommended Resources and Further Listening

Key Recommendations:

• Books:

  • The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker – Explores the principles of organizing meaningful and purposeful gatherings.

• Podcast Episodes:

  • Episode 395: How to Create Meaningful Gatherings – Discusses strategies for purposeful meetings and events.
  • Episode 509: Transitioning to Remote Leadership – Features Tammy Bielen on establishing team charters for effective communication.
  • Episode 692: Transcending Leadership Struggles Through Your Strengths – Highlights Lisa Cummings’ work on leveraging personal strengths in leadership.

• Websites:

  • CoachingforLeaders.com – Access to a comprehensive library of leadership and management resources.
  • Lead Through Strengths by Lisa Cummings – Offers tools for leveraging team members’ strengths.

Notable Quote:
Dave encourages continuous learning and leveraging past resources:
“Every single week I am writing an entry. I'm delivering it to your inbox so that you can take the next step to move forward in your leadership.” ([35:23])

5. Closing Remarks

Dave concludes the episode by inviting listeners to join the Coaching for Leaders community, highlighting the benefits of free membership and the Coaching for Leaders Plus program for deeper engagement and personal growth in leadership.

Final Quote:
“Have a great week and see you back Monday.” ([35:23])

Conclusion

Episode 714 of Coaching for Leaders offers a wealth of knowledge for leaders seeking to improve team collaboration and communication in various contexts. From optimizing remote communication tools and fostering engaging collaborative groups to setting healthy boundaries with demanding stakeholders, Dave and Bonnie provide actionable advice grounded in proven leadership principles. By leveraging these insights and recommended resources, leaders can enhance their effectiveness and cultivate thriving, cohesive teams.