Home HR Tips, Tools & Resources 4 Team Lessons from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

4 Team Lessons from Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

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I have to admit I’ve only watched a few episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. but already the dysfunctional team coming together is reminding me of many real life situations I’ve seen in companies! I think people will either hate or love this show but personally I think there’s a lot to learn from the team dynamics of the main cast. From their quirks to their strengths, you’ll be able to make connections between the show and real life business dynamics. Here are just 4 of the many lessons I think we all can learn from the series.

1. Get Everyone Involved at All Levels

You’d think that two science geeks like Leo Fitz and Jemma Simmons would belong in the science lab conveying messages over the phone. But the show proves that the world does belong to the geeks now and we’ve moved beyond the times of isolated silos of talent.

In the real world, it’s every easy for different departments to get separated from the work that everyone else is doing. So easy it’s pretty common. But considering the larger picture, it’s absolutely crucial for everyone to have a feel of what’s going on across the company. This can only happen when knowledge and experiences are shared across functions.

2. Use Personal Stories to Bridge the Gap

So the connection between Skye and Grant Ward’s characters over the story of being beaten up by his older brother may have come off as a little sappy. However, sharing his “moment” in life – the moment that defines him is similar to the Life Line team building activity I recommend to companies.

Reaching people at a personal level is absolutely crucial if you really want a team to gel. We all come from such diverse backgrounds and experiences that to get to know one another some serious sharing is required. That’s what Ward does to get through to Skye and it works in the show just like it works in real life.

3. Present the Opportunity for People to Make their Own Decisions

Right at the beginning of the show you know there’s more to Melinda May than what meets the eye. Anyone who watches the show will very quickly pick up that her combat skills exceed those of being a pilot. But the question is when will she chose to be the person that she’s really meant to be?

People have reservations about what they want to do all the time in a company. It could be because they question their own skills or because they don’t want to go back to doing a task that they’ve for many years (even though they’re the best at it). Just like Coulson, sometimes a leader has put people in a position that lets their team mate make their own decisions about the roles they want vs. need to play.

4. Make Sure Your Team Lead has Glue like Qualities

There’s no way the team would be succeeding at their tasks if it wasn’t for Coulson’s subtle yet effective pushes in the right direction. Without any reasonable doubt he’s the character that brings the dysfunctional qualities of everyone together into a cohesive unit. That’s what any team leader needs to be.

A good team lead encourages individual strengths and displays them to the rest of the team. [Tweet This] The thing is, everyone has their strengths – and weaknesses. Team cohesion only occurs when everyone’s strengths are highlighted and put together like the pieces of a puzzle.

So these are my 4 lessons from this show. I really think this show brings together the oddest of characters and make them work together in a really awesome way. If you’ve seen the show and have any other things you’ve picked up – or have team lessons from any other shows please share them below. Also, make sure you’ve subscribed to the blog to receive regular HR tips and updates.

Author: Paul Keijzer

Paul Keijzer is an innovative business leader and HR professional with more than 40 years of experience. He is the CEO of The Talent Games & Engage Consulting, a sough-after speaker and renowned name in the HR technology space. Been an official member of the Forbes Business Council 2020 and still contributes his thought leadership insights on various online platforms.

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