Posted: Here we are at the half-way point of the build season. Some teams, like Team 930, may have finished a week of semester exams and are feeling a little frazzled and slap happy. Some teams may be running smoothly and on schedule. But some may be taking a look around them and wondering how it will all come together (kind of like us). Team 930 decided to take a serious look at how to work more efficiently at each meeting.
Be punctual. That starts with being on time. The only excuse for being late to team practices or meetings is work or school and then you need to make sure to tell someone, preferably a mentor, project manager or your sub-team lead. The team cannot afford to wait.
Come prepared. If you are a team lead, make sure schedules, drawings, lists, whatever you are going to need for that meeting, is with you and ready for the work session. Team leads…along with your weekly schedule, before each meeting, write up a detailed list of what needs to be accomplished for that day. Be as specific as possible and don’t avoid doing something on the list because it is too hard or you don’t know what to do. Ask questions. From that list, each meeting will start by discussing exactly what each person is expected to work on that day, what is on the list and how that list will get completed by the end of the meeting.
W.I.N. Focus on What’s Important Now. If the list of tasks seems overwhelming pick out one thing that is most important at that moment and do thattask. Then move on to the next most important thing. That places everything in the proper priority so everyone can move forward efficiently.
Bring the proper attitude. If you are having a bad day, find some way to leave that behind you. Come focused and ready to work. Eat a good meal before you get there if possible. You can’t focus or be productive if you are hungry.
Don’t give up. The job may be hard, may even seem impossible, but it will never get done if you give up. Ask someone else for a fresh perspective. Walk away from the problem for a minute, but don’t forget to come back. Ask for help. We are a team and as such should work together for the benefit of all. Don’t let pride stand in the way of team success.
Move. If you are feeling tired, brain dead, or are having trouble focusing, get up, walk around, get some fresh air, do some push-ups, sit-ups, jumping jacks or anything to get your blood moving quickly and get your muscles and brain oxygenated again.
Drink water. It may seem silly and you may think you function best on tons of caffeine and sugar, but your brain runs smoothest when it is properly hydrated. make sure your fluid intake includes water to keep your brain functioning at peak capacity. Make sure there is plenty of water at each meeting, and don’t forget, water flows easily from a faucet into a cup (in case you run out of bottled water).
Have fun. It is possible to work hard, work long, work efficiently and still have fun. Just keep the fun at a focused, productive, reasonable level.
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