Barging to High Performance (In a Time before COVID-19 and Social Distancing)
Once upon a time before COVID-19 and social distancing, I had the privilege of vacationing with family in France. Our trip featured a leisurely exploration of the Burgundy region on a canal barge accommodating a total of 10 guests. Think floating B&B. The barge’s accommodations and relaxing pace, coupled with the endless scenes of the French countryside, delicious wine and cuisine all blended well to make for a memorable trip.
What I found to be the most remarkable aspect of the trip, however, was the crew responsible for making this amazing experience possible. Not just any crew, but one that I immediately recognized demonstrated The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team.
Let me explain. Our high performing crew of six was comprised of a captain (Daniel), two mates, two hostesses and a master chef. Each role had clearly defined individual, shared and team responsibilities. For example, the first mate was the primary backup up to the captain at the helm. The second mate was responsible for the safety, comfort and cleanliness of the boat’s main deck. Each mate also served as drivers and guides for the shore excursions and could easily cover or back up the others’ responsibilities as needed. Similarly, the hostesses operated as a team, taking turns serving meals, cleaning cabins and looking after the guests.
Anyone of the crew could be counted on to fix a guest their refreshment of choice or to answer a question about the Burgundy region’s history, wine and cuisine. At different times, each of the crew could be found in the barge's small galley helping the chef prepare for or clean up after a meal. While each of the crew members reported to Daniel, it was obvious they were individually accountable to one another. More importantly, it was clear the team had a shared mission, values and measures of success: creating a unique, if not once in a lifetime, ultimate vacation experience for each guest.
The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team is a proven model based on New York Times best-selling author Patrick Lencioni's leadership fable, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team. So, what are they, you ask?
TRUST One Another
Engage in Productive CONFLICT Around Ideas
COMMIT To Decisions
Hold One Another ACCOUNTABLE
Focus on Achieving Collective RESULTS
Through an exploration of each of these behaviors, teams can achieve high levels of collaboration, cohesiveness and results. Our crew, Daniel's team, was consistently exhibiting all five.
Lessons:
The crew's behavior most certainly started with the expectations set by the mission of their company —"creating that ultimate feeling of relaxation for guests who board our floating boutique hotels for one of our unique cruises." Daniel, as captain, clearly translated the corporate mission into an actionable set of measurable Results – as a team, ensure the experience of each guest exceeds expectations.
The crew's Accountability to both the mission and each other was apparent throughout our cruise. While the crew had clearly defined roles, the fact that they could step in at any moment to mix drinks, prep and serve food, and even steer the barge was impressive. In a pivotal moment, a spoiled bottle of wine was served to two guests during dinner. While the guests shrugged off the error, the hostess was visibly upset to have let her guests and team down in even the most minor of ways.
During a particularly tricky lock and barge turnaround maneuver, I observed the captain and two mates debating their approach. Water levels were low, and the crew was concerned about running aground and becoming stuck. Daniel had one idea and the first mate another. The second mate weighed in on both and even served to facilitate a final decision. With the Conflict resolved and a Commitment of the three to the first mate's approach, the maneuver was flawlessly executed (although not without the barge's keel kicking up a little mud!).
I should note that the crew not only worked as a team, but during the trip they also lived together on the barge in very tight quarters. They shared their meals, lives, and what little free space and free time they had with each other. They trusted and supported one another with their personal interests and career aspirations. On the last evening of the cruise, guests encouraged Daniel to break out his acoustic guitar and perform. It wasn't long before he invited other members of the crew to join him in song. The smiles, joy and harmonies they shared spoke volumes to deep vulnerability-based Trust the team had forged in each other.
One final observation to share. The tradition on this barge was for a Captain's dinner to take place on the last evening of the cruise, where the captain would join the guests at the table. Daniel modified this approach a bit by rotating crew members through the captain's chair as dinner progressed. This simple act of servant-leadership provided the guests with the opportunity to continue to get to know each crew member on a more personal basis. It also afforded us the chance to thank them for the remarkable experience they created for us as guests. After dinner, Daniel called out each of his team members for a round of applause and a group bow.
To conclude, in this context, the words crew and team are interchangeable. As the team leader and knowing it or not, Daniel harnessed The Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team to achieve exceptional results, creating a unique, if not once in a lifetime, ultimate vacation experience for each guest. It's easy for me to imagine a very different and less amazingly positive experience. I’m glad my family had the good fortune of being with Daniel and crew, I mean team, for an incredible experience.
Are you interested in exploring how your team will benefit from a social distancing-acceptable introduction to The Five Behaviors? Contact me for a free, no obligation, consultation.
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Matt Swayhoover is the founder of Viaduct Performance Consulting, a Northern Virginia-based business focused on helping individuals, teams and organizations bridge the gap between potential and business results. As principal performance consultant, Matt collaborates with clients to identify and courageously address the obstacles that constrain high performance.
Learn more at www.viaductperformance.com