Episode 239: Creating Next Level Teamwork with Tim Arnold

In this episode, we are thrilled to bring you a distinguished guest who needs no introduction in the world of leadership development and team building. Join us in welcoming Tim Arnold, an expert with over two decades of experience guiding leaders through the complexities of managing teams effectively.

Tim Arnold is not only a seasoned author, having penned his best-selling book "The Power of Healthy Tension," but also a practitioner who has applied his insights in organizations such as the United Nations, Compassion International, and the Royal Bank of Canada. As we dive into this conversation, Tim shares perspectives on polarities and paradoxes, offering invaluable insights on five polarities that, if leveraged well, can improve team performance. Tune in for an enriching dialogue that transcends conventional leadership paradigms, as Tim shares his wealth of knowledge and real-world experiences.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

3:22 - Introduction and background of our special guest Tim Arnold.

6:35 - Tim discusses the focus of his new book series on polarities and paradoxes on teamwork

7:22 - The importance of managing tensions or polarities in teams, which are unavoidable but can be managed with a common language and commitment.

7:41 - Identifies a short list of polarities that make a key difference in teamwork, including safety, trust, and alignment.

10:07 - Mentioning that there are 5 key tensions that every team deals with.

11:05 - The 5 key tensions: (1) Tasks and Relationships, (2) Leveraging Structure and Flexibility, (3) Communicating Truthfully and Tactfully (4) Promoting Collaboration and Independence and (5) Increasing Empowerment and Accountability.

13:06 - Tips for maintaining a healthy balance between Task and Relationships focus in teams.

15:01 - Neglecting the relationship side of teamwork can lead to misalignment, snippiness, and a loss of connection among team members.

15:54 - Value of connection before content in meetings, citing Peter Block's leadership philosophy.

17:17 - Weekly celebrations of wins to foster a positive team environment.

18:00 - Emphasizing the value of spending time together for relationship building.

18:46 - Valuing the importance of setting aside time for one-on-one connections with team members, as it helps maintain a healthy task focus.

19:31 - Asking team members three questions to assess their task focus: (1) are they clear on their piece, (2) do they have what they need to deliver, and (3) are they surrounded by engaged and committed team members?

21:04 - Highlights the importance of relationship development in remote work, citing the need for regular check-ins and celebrations to maintain high-quality relationships.

22:42 - The tension between Structure and Flexibility in remote work, and how flexibility without structure doesn't work and that both need to be valued.

23:41 - How organizations should prioritize curiosity in conversations with team members, rather than jumping to conclusions or assumptions.

25:39 - Tim shares about his upbringing and how it influenced his communication style, prioritizing tactfulness and avoiding hurting others' feelings.

27:35 - Emphasis on the importance of balancing Candor and Tact in communication, acknowledging that both are necessary for effective teamwork.

27:35 - Discomfort that can come with stepping up candor and truth in conversations, but also notes that it's okay to feel uncomfortable and that it's a sign of a healthy balance.

30:58 - How growth comes from discomfort

33:46 - Teams can maximize leverage by balancing Collaboration and Independence, depending on the organization and team dynamics.

36:32 - The concepts of Empowerment and Accountability, emphasizing the need for both in a successful business model.

36:565 - Addresses the challenge of managing expectations, especially with newer generations seeking empowerment without always embracing accountability.

38:03 - Stresses the connection between empowerment, purpose, mastery, and engagement, and the role of leaders in providing support and training.

38:37 - Empowerment involves setting people up for success and providing ongoing support, accountability, and critical feedback.

41:40 - The significance of understanding team preferences for managing tensions, such as empowerment and control.

44:46 - Discusses recognizing and managing tensions within teams to create a productive and positive environment.

45:48 - Dysfunction is common but can be overcome by leaning into tensions and working together to find solutions.

48:58 - Team effectiveness and personal growth through the sport of hockey.

Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on leadership, teamwork, and navigating polarities. Dive into the discussion here or catch it here to watch on the MissingLogic LLC YouTube channel to find out why.

Best Way To Reach Tim Arnold:

Website: https://timarnold.ca/

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/timarnoldleadership

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TimArnoldLeadership

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timarnoldleadership/

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