The Power of we is a principle in which we trade “me” mindsets for “we” mindsets.
As we found out in the first blog of this title, the Power of we is the realization that together, we are better. We are stronger, faster, wiser, more effective and empowered.
Having this attitude that includes cooperation with others does not minimize our individuality; it maximizes it as we bring who we are to intersect with the lives of others. As our skills, strengths, and talents intermingle and congeal, our independence leans into interdependence, and together, we make a more significant difference.
The Next mindset exchange is critical. We need to exchange a Territorial Mindset with an Empowering Mindset.
I’ll never forget a time when the organization I was working for was adopting another organization. Inside the other organization, there was a leader who had been excellent in their department. They had a good team and a reasonably practical system; they were adequately getting the job done. However, when you absorb another organization, there must be changes and embracing of a new culture, corporate DNA, Vision, mission, etc.
The sad part of the situation is that our goal was to keep people in roles they loved and embrace them as part of our team. This would only require a cooperative attitude and a teachable mindset. We didn’t realize it then, but we didn’t have either in this person.
They fought to keep us out of the department. They used terminology like mine and me, what I have always done, my volunteers, my facility, etc. Now, there is a place for ownership, but there is never a place for possessiveness. This is insecure and helps no one. We had to let this person go and revamp with a whole new leader and system. When it could have been a minor adjustment, it became a major overhaul.
A territorial mindset is the antithesis of a team mindset. Being possessive is the action of a positional leader. This is mine because I’m the boss, because of my title. It isn’t leadership and becomes so unhealthy that it hurts the entire organization.
An empowering mindset says we are all in this together. It understands the Power of we. It gets it that we are all critical to the team, but the team must be of primary importance to us as individuals.
Territorial is fear-based. I’m afraid I’ll lose my role, or someone will steal my spot.
Empowering is confidence-based. It tries to develop leaders to take its spot. Knowing that if I am a person who is developing others and working myself out of a job, there is a more significant influence for me and more excellent opportunities in my future, as well as making room for other leaders to grow and develop and the organization is more successful.
Territorialism is self-centered. It sees itself as the most important thing. Its agenda is primary. Its plans are most important.
Empowering is vision-centered. It sees the organization’s vision as the most important thing. The goal is more important than the role.
Territorial is positional. It sees others working for him
Empowering is influential. It sees others working with him.
If we are to find that place of better togetherness, synergy, unification, and agreement, we must exchange our territorial mindset with an empowering mindset. When we do, progress speeds up. It creates a powerfully freeing and emotional life-giving experience.
If we want to win some battles, if we want some small victories, then we can let the small-minded territorial people stay the way they are. But if we want to win championships, if we want to produce authentic and lasting change, if we’re going to make a genuine difference and achieve purpose-driven goals, then the exchange must be made.
“Talent wins games, but intelligent team work wins championships”
– ANON
In essence, what we are saying is to be a team player. Understanding that team is what wins championships. Always remember where your strength lies.
“The strength of the team lies with the individual. And the strength of the individual lies within the team”
