This document describes a simple activity to create positivity in a team. The activity involves team members gathering together and each writing one positive thing about every other team member on a paper plate stuck to their back without them seeing. The plates are then revealed and discussed to highlight the good qualities teammates see in each other. The goal is to emphasize the positive each person brings to the team, foster team spirit, and surprise individuals with how many nice things their peers can say about them. The document recommends teams try this activity to boost positivity.
The document provides tips for giving and receiving feedback within a team setting. It recommends being vulnerable by sharing what you don't know, vocalizing struggles and asking for help. It also suggests acknowledging distracting emotions, regularly debriefing projects to surface learnings, and celebrating failures to encourage risk-taking and experimentation. The overall message is that frequent, honest feedback among team members can help the team work effectively and improve.
The document discusses the principles of improvisation and their application to creativity and collaboration. It outlines three pillars of improv - creativity, communication, and collaboration. Seven elements of improv are also described: yes, and; ensemble; co-creation; authenticity; failure; follow the follower; and listening. Exercises are provided for each element to practice improv skills. The document argues that business and improv are similar in needing to create and work in teams under pressure.
In today’s news operations, "leaders" aren’t necessarily part of the traditional hierarchy. Age and experience have become less relevant. Millennials may have cutting edge skills to pass on, and veteran journalists may be reinventing themselves in ways no one expected. How do good managers create a culture that nurtures those leaders, gives them "permission" to lead, and eases the potential for tension that can arise. Jessica Davis is director of the USA TODAY Network's Digital Optimization Team. @jessicaEdavis