The Problem with Building Stronger Teams. It’s the People, Not the Skills.

When we establish strategies, build our cultural ethos within our organizations and teams, and implement other well-intentioned frameworks to create healthier teams and communities, we often overlook the most significant variable that catalyzes success or failure.

It’s the individuals. The single most important factor to building a successful team are the actual people. Of course, you know that. 

Let’s drill down a little further. 

Let's think beyond job titles, roles, and functions for a moment. When we talk about individuals, we're talking about people’s unique strengths, values, and motivations—those deeply personal elements that each team member brings to the table. These traits, often shaped by their experiences and perspectives, influence how they approach challenges, collaborate, and drive toward shared goals. Yet, in the hustle of defining strategies and setting objectives, these individual qualities are sometimes brushed aside or generalized. When we don’t consider them fully, we miss a crucial opportunity: to tap into the rich diversity of insights, skills, and strengths that each person offers, ultimately stifling potential and limiting the collective success of the team.

Understanding and valuing these individual differences isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s fundamental to creating an environment where each person feels empowered, valued, and aligned with the organization’s purpose.

But what happens when the individuals who offer the most, don’t know how to bring their best to the project, task, or team? What impact does that have on the team? The ability for each individual on the team to be able to coach themselves is an invaluable skill and ultimately plays a critical role in the success of the team.

When individuals struggle to bring their best, not only does their potential go untapped, but the entire team feels the effects. Missed contributions, gaps in collaboration, and even lowered morale can ripple through the group, weakening the collective effort. This is why self-coaching is so vital: it empowers team members to navigate challenges, stay connected to their strengths, and align their personal goals with the team’s objectives. When individuals are equipped with self-coaching skills, they can proactively address their own roadblocks, gain clarity on their roles, and engage more fully with their work. This isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about creating a team dynamic where every person can contribute meaningfully, making the team stronger, more resilient, and ultimately, more successful.

Imagine what your team could achieve if every individual was equipped with the tools to coach themselves, align their strengths with their roles, and tackle challenges with resilience and clarity. 

Developing these skills doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right support and insights, it’s within reach. That’s what the Coach Yourself Newsletter is all about—giving you the practical tools, exercises, and inspiration you need to deepen self-awareness and step into your strengths. Subscribe now to receive these resources directly to your inbox and start building the skills that will not only enhance your own performance but elevate the impact of your entire team.