Working together, working together - Citizen-Board Member Brach

Working with volunteers is a definite skill. It takes two parts cheerleader, one part visionary and one part administrator. The concepts of encouragement and team spirit challenge closely held beliefs that emphasize the use of power, intimidation and manipulation. An encouraging environment helps people believe in themselves. Whether you call yourself a leader, a manager, a coach, a parent, a teacher or an administrator, an important goal is to help create a winning team feeling.

Roy Ellis Moody, who serves on the advisory board for the Albuquerque Parks & Recreation Department, provides the following suggestions for encouraging team spirit:

* Change or Die: The change principle says, "Things don't stay the same. If they don't get better, they'll get worse."

* Commit to Purpose and People: Excellence in a sport, a relationship or a business begins with commitment to purpose and people. The commitment principle says, "Great accomplishments are preceded by an emotional commitment to purpose and people."

* Communicate Openly: Communication is the preliminary problem in groups and organizations. Shared meaning and shared understanding depend on clear communication. The communication principle says, "Effective team spirit depends on open and honest communication."

* Cooperate Enthusiastically: When cooperation is high, there's a positive attitude, characterized by compromise, working for the common good and people trusting each other. The cooperation principle says, "If I help you win, I win, too."

* Celebrate Victories: Giving recognition for what people have achieved cooperatively reinforces and builds team spirit and emphasizes the value of the team or individual to the organization. The celebration principle says, "People rarely succeed at anything unless they have fun doing it."

The five C's of change, commitment, communication, cooperation and celebration provide a flexible framework for creating an encouraging environment and building team spirit.