Onions and Turnips

Onions and turnips are very different, but in cooking and combining, they often go together and function well. Leaders and their teams are very much like that. One bad onion could spoil the dish like one bad turnip could make you very nauseous.

Leaders often educate and motivate, while their team can be innovative and productive. Together, they fit hand and glove. Teams that have a poor leader neither motivates, or works well together. Even though your opinion differs from the others, it does not mean you are right or wrong, it does mean all opinions are worth reviewing.

Teams that have one person who takes everything personally, is bound to offset the balance and when that happens, very little is accomplished. If you are fortunate enough to have been chosen for a team, take time to observe the behaviors within the environment before you step foot into the ring. Know your team and give your opinion judged on fact not fiction.

Stepping out of the box may be risky, but shows more research has been done and the team who goes beyond traditional problem solving is to be commended for its ingenuity and forward thinking. Leaders who allow their teams the opportunity to address their concerns and take action, stands to get to the goal. Changes that take place can benefit the majority of the recipients.

Soup made from onions and turnips is not to everybody's liking, but those who do indulge, find the combination very tasty. When teams combine with those who choose different ideas, it becomes a new and often rewarding experience.

In Amy Cuddy's book, "Presence", Maya Angelou wrote, "Stand up straight and realize who you are, that you tower over your circumstances". Not every comment is earth shattering and not everybody who does not participate is lacking in new ideas. Maybe they need a way to engage and regain their personal power.

Putting a diversity of ideas on your team and asking for a plan gives the leaders who have the power, an opportunity to increase their standing and thrive, if the plan is reality not a whim.

Companies today are merging and if we are going to accept their monopolized undertaking, we need to prepare for the future. We cannot conduct business as usual but we do need new ideas and new life. Does that mean hiring young, inexperienced mellinials or experienced older employees? Hold on to your seat as the answer is hire both to mix both ideas and I will leave you with those thoughts. Using your common sense, along with team cooperation, usually wins the game.

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Gloria M. Reiske is an MSW, LCSW with more than thirty years experience in education, Administration, social work, and coaching. She has authored many articles and is published in local media, having written a men and grief manual for training purposes throughout Virginia and an article for children and grief.