Make Teamwork Happen

*spoiler alert* Topically relevant analysis of the new season’s opening of House follows; however, if you haven’t seen it yet, be aware that the post contains episode revelations!

The quintessential lone wolf, Dr. House on Fox TV, launches the fourth season without a team to contribute to the perplexing medical cases that confound doctors and audiences alike. Although House is quite the contrarian, he needs the prompting of intellectually challenging specialists who inspire collaborative, creative hypothesis, where the answer becomes intuitively obvious within 60 minutes.

In the Season Three finale, the set-in-his-ways House was confronted with a series of major changes to his team. Neurologist DR. ERIC FOREMAN left Princeton Plainsboro because he didn’t want to turn into House; House randomly fired old-money intensivist DR. ROBERT CHASE, claiming he learned everything he’s going to learn in the past three years, or nothing at all; and immunologist DR. ALLISON CAMERON resigned, knowing House will be completely unaffected by her decision.

As new season opens, House doesn’t think he needs a team; he’d rather go it alone. However, as the show progresses, he supplants his old team with his friend, oncology specialist DR. JAMES WILSON and the Dean of Medicine and hospital administrator, DR. LISA CUDDY to help him think through the various hypotheses. When they refuse to “enable” him, House ends up in the walk-in clinic, just to bounce some ideas off of a ER doc or two.

At the end of the show, House finally understands that he needs the intellectual stimulation of others and is a better doctor with a team around him.

Question: Do you see yourself better as a lone wolf or someone who works better with a team?

Newsflash: York University Schulich School of Business was rated the 11th top business school IN THE WORLD by the Wall Street Journal.

So why do you care? Because I teach Leadership Through Teambuilding and
Facilitation Skills at Schulich. I’m just so excited, I just had to share
this fabulous news with you!

Question: Isn’t it great to be a part of a winning team? And to be
externally recognized for your exceptional results?

I’m in Prince Edwards Island, Canada hovering over a tall mug of steaming mocha with whipped cream. I’m drenched to the bone with rain while watching the renowned Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) “Musical Ride” at the Crapaud Equestrian Centre. Everybody on the island declares the Musical Ride is is quite the spectacle. And well, there really isn’t that much else to do on the island, so we go see thirty-two boot-black Hanoverian broodmares and stallions prance in formation. The show’s finale culminates in a colossal stampede that comes to an abrupt halt at the end of the arena. I had been hearing about this amazing feat for the entire week!

Unfortunately, it started raining a few hours before showtime, and really started pissing down rain just a few minutes before the Commander, John Gaudet, led the troops into the outdoor arena. It was a nice show, but didn’t quite live up to the Islanders’ hype.

Afterwards, Joseph (my partner) insisted we stick around to say hello to his childhood friend – who is none other than the Musical Ride Commander John Gaudet! A gracious Mountie with a warm smile, John explained to us that they needed to slow the pace of the Musical Ride to ensure the safety of the riders as well as the horses. They only cancel a show when there is lightening or other danger. Guess rain doesn’t count.

When weather and/or other conditions sour on your team, do you adjust the pace and tempo to meet the conditions so that everyone can still participate safely and surefooted? Or, do you go full speed ahead like nothing is happening?