TUNNEY-SIDE-OF-THE-STREET

#32 August 8, 2005

Welcome to this week's message from the Tunney-Side-Of-The-Street. You are encouraged to share this with fellow workers, family and friends.

As Sister Sarah (in the movie "Guys and Dolls") said to Sky Masterson, "Chemistry, what do you mean? How will you know?" And Sky responds, "Yeah, chemistry, I'll know."

Chemistry. We know it when we see it, right? Even though it's invisible, weightless, and takes up no space, we know when we're under its spell. Chemistry most often develops from good work done in an honest pursuit of goals. And we can all name examples of chemistry, both good and not so good. The 1972 Miami Dolphins, who set the record of 17-0 to go undefeated for an entire NFL season, are an example of good chemistry. On paper, they weren't that much better than the rest of the league. It was that additional ingredient - chemistry, that put Don Shula's T*E*A*M in a category all its own. Conversely, we've seen all-star teams that are "loaded" with the best players, but fail to perform to the level expected.

The 2004 USA Olympic Basketball Team did not have that "honest pursuit of goals". Oh, they wanted to win the Gold Medal, but with an attitude of "we are the best, why don't you award it to us for just showing up". No chemistry there, thus, the pursuit of the Gold Medal failed. When you want your T*E*A*M to develop chemistry that will make them a winner, it's important to start with passion and communication. The passion to lead and take responsibility for set backs as well as successes.

Remember, communication is not a passive exercise. A communicative leader will be alert to new ideas that can help the program move along. Where the idea came from is significantly less important than its usability. Those in charge of a situation must not hoard information or resist a suggestion fearful that if they do, their authority might be threatened. A good idea is a good idea, and successful leaders look for these everywhere-and give credit where it is due.

Will you create chemistry with your T*E*A*M by incorporating all good ideas?

Look for my new book
It's the Will, Not the Skill
Principles and philosophies of success

For more information about Jim Tunney, go to www.jimtunney.com

ARTICLE TAGLINE FOR JIM TUNNEY, Ed.D., CSP, CPAE

Copyright © 2003 Jim Tunney. All rights reserved.
You can visit Jim's website at http://www.jimtunney.com

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