It’s unbelievable when I think about how time has flown by during my Challenge Detroit Fellowship experience.   Up until this point, the fellowship program has presented numerous experiential learning opportunities, leadership development sessions, connections to Detroit’s Top Influencers, and much more. The program is fulfilling my professional development goals and each core value for which Challenge Detroit stands. Possibly different to other fellows, I’ve grown a greater appreciation for the art of teamwork, cross collaboration, thought leadership and skill sharing.   On Challenge Friday’s, it amazing to see how much can be accomplished when everyone joins their skillsets together to create impactful outcomes. The saying is true, there are strengths in numbers.

As a fellow who was employed internally into Challenge Detroit, my initial expectation was to capitalize on this progressive program to move Detroit forward. In addition to developing my skillset around team leadership, design thinking, fundraising, programming, marketing and other critical aspects of nonprofits organizations. Thankfully, I have been able to do just that while working with professionals with diverse educational backgrounds, levels of work experience, intellect and perspectives. With four team projects down and one to go, I have developed a better appreciation for effective teamwork-what works, what doesn’t work and a few tips to carry forth into careers.

Tip #1  Understand the Goal

Each team will comprise of a range of people from diverse backgrounds and skillsets. It is important to understand the common goals in which the team is working towards so that the focus always remains on the finished product. Each team member must understand that personal goals must be set aside and team goals must remain a focus throughout the project. As the well-known saying goes, ‘There is no I in team’. If conflicts arise, refer back to these original goals and make decisions with a primary focus on them.

Tip #2 Know when to Let Others Lead

Letting someone else hold the leadership title does not make you less of a leader.  In some instances, you are a more enlightened leader if you do.  Leaders need to have the knowledge of the specific goal or task and its important to allow the more skilled person to lead the team and  learn as a team player.

Tip #3 Be Committed to the Finish

In a team project, although you are assigned personal tasks you must remember that your overall goal is to contribute to completing the project. This therefore means that if you have completed your workload, you must be willing to help out where needed. This may mean contributing to tasks that are perhaps below your level, but the overall goal must be kept in mind.