There is no “I” in Team, but there is one in Train!

Most of us are familiar with the phrase, “there is no ‘I’ in team.” It is often used to highlight the importance of teamwork and the focus of the group instead of the individual.

As a training leader, I often think in terms of the group and getting the group to be successful. Of course this is through individual development. My realization, however, is that trainings’ focus is on individual development and the expression of others, but what about ourselves?

I want to pause here and have you reread that last sentence and key in on the words “expression of.”

In our industry, being ourselves is important, because it can be what ultimately elevates the guest’s experience. (Who doesn’t love checking into a hotel room and finding a handwritten note from the housekeeper to yourself?) Expressing ourselves in the training environment is important because it creates the space for learners to do the same.

I was reminded of this just a few weeks ago at CHART 106 in Chicago. Keynote speaker, Christy Uffelman, took us through what I would describe as a two-hour therapy session among strangers. We literally spent two hours sharing challenges, successes, and thought provoking-questions with individuals we just met a moment ago. My takeaway was that when you share of your true self (which Christy described as heart and belly), those you are sharing with will do so as well. We were challenged to bring the “I.”

The next time you ask a question of a trainee (or group), and you want the individuals to reflect and share from their personal experiences, or the heart and belly, try first sharing an experience of your own which comes from one of those places. Or when are doing introductions, start by sharing who you REALLY are.

When we create the space for authentic expression, it creates space for authentic reflection, which creates space for behavior change, which is the “I” in train!