Byron's Babbles

This week I had the pleasure of working with our Focused Leader Academy at Silver Creek School Corporation. As with all the participants from the schools I do these academies, I love working with this group of aspiring leaders. They are always so creative and inspiring. At this past week’s gathering we started a two part series on building, working with, and leading teams. One of the activities was for participants, in teams of course, to make a representation of what a great team looks like using Play-Doh®️. As always, I was amazed! One team created an incredible bowl of mixed fruit – see the featured picture of this post. The team that created this visual metaphor told us that “A great team that is high functioning can be compared to a bowl of mixed fruit because each member brings their own unique strengths and qualities to the team, just like how different fruits bring different flavors and nutrients to the bowl. Together, they create a well-rounded and balanced team that is more effective and successful.” See why I love working with this group?

One person contributed that the different fruits that need to be peeled can be compared to some members of great teams who require extra support or assistance in order to fully contribute to the team. Just like how peeling the fruits reveals their true potential and enhances their flavor, providing the necessary support and guidance to certain team members can help them unlock their full potential and excel within the team. By recognizing and addressing the unique needs of each team member, the team can work together cohesively and achieve greater success. Never forget that some team members just need to be tapped on the shoulder and reminded how valuable they are and invited to take on the next big challenge, position, or project.

The different fruits in a mixed fruit bowl also represented the diversity in the makeup of a great team in several ways. Just like a team consists of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, and personalities, each fruit brings its own unique flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits to the mix. When combined harmoniously, the variety of fruits in a mixed fruit bowl creates a delightful and satisfying experience for those who enjoy it. Similarly, a diverse team can leverage the strengths and perspectives of its members to collaborate effectively and achieve outstanding results. Embracing diversity in a team can lead to innovation, creativity, and improved problem-solving abilities. Just as each fruit in a mixed fruit bowl plays a vital role in creating a delicious and balanced combination, each team member contributes their own expertise and perspective to the collective success of the team.