It had been a while since they had had a team event that allowed them to address the dynamics of their group. As a result, there were "water cooler" conversations taking place that distracted folks from their work and did not get the whole group involved in solving the challenges they were facing.

Carol chose to start with groupforward interviewing each team member so every perspective was heard - on what was working and what needed to be addressed. Carol's team was enthusiastic and welcomed the opportunity to have input into the way the team operated. groupforward identified several areas of strength and several areas that needed attention.

In the first of two half-day sessions facilitated by groupforward, the team quickly found ways to apply their strengths across more areas. They also tackled an issue that at first glance appeared to be highly contentious -- lots of team members needed subject matter expertise from their subject matter expert -- and there was only one of her and she was bombarded with questions frequently. As a result, in their fast paced environment, the stress got pretty high at times.

During the first session, the team quickily realized that how they requested information from their subject matter expert (SME) was causing friction among the team members. In just twenty minutes of facilitated discussion, they found a solution to the issue: "SMEmail." Not only does SMEmail allow the SME to field requests for information as she is available, but also to archive the requests so that anyone seeking the information has an archive to search before requesting the information from the SME. They tried their new system, and reported back during the second session that it was working fine. They were proud of their solution and noted the relief it provided because the tension was dispelled. For them, the SMEmail system became a "best practice," which is still in use today, three years later!

The time savings and reduction in tension would not have been possible without Carol's first step forward with groupforward: hearing what her team members had to say, and then giving them the time to address the issues and find solutions that worked for them. Carol's determination to include group development as she manages ever larger groups shows that she is a leader who has what it takes to keep a group moving forward and getting the work done! Without taking this first step, Carol would not have set the foundation that has allowed her group to grow to well over thirty members strong!

Studies show that whether you take a break or not, your brain does - every hour or so. If you push on, your performance and productivity will plummet. By afternoon, it can actually take five times as long to finish your task than if you took time out every hour.

How to Make a Small Change The key to recharging your batteries throughout the day is pretty simple if you start simply. Try to incorporate a break a few times a week, NOT daily. A practice is best started slowly, so you can grow into it and maintain it. We often fail to incorporate new habits because we force ourselves to do too much too soon (or too perfectly) and it becomes an issue of "no time to do it." Set a realistic goal: start with five to ten minutes. After you've mastered the goal you set, then take a moment to evaluate how it worked and celebrate!! You can contiinue what you are doing or set another goal that seems reasonable (e.g., increase the frequency of taking a break during the week or increase the time).

What to Do Take a few minutes to stop what you are doing, breathe, get up from your desk, and go outside and sit or take a short walk. Whatever you choose to do, take your mind off work for just a little bit.

Adapted with permission from Time Management Myths © 2004 by Tracy Needham.