Despite ruling on several divisive issues, the justices have long maintained they are civil and get along well despite the fierce disagreements. Why? Because even the U.S. Supreme Court has ground rules!

As a leader, we want to build and strengthen our team. But what if we are actually dividing our team - and we don't even know it? You may consider using more inclusive language on your team.

Want to test your team alignment? Try this thought-provoking team activity.

When it comes to teams, curiosity is a powerful quality that inspires connection and conversation. While some people might think it's a "trait" where some people are simply more curious than others, I think it's a skill you can build...and even cultivate within your team.

Here are strategies to cultivate curiosity in your team, organized for clarity and action.

As you conduct your internal review and environmental scan, consider these key business trends that may affect your strategic plan.

You want to be a valued team player - the MVP of your team? Not just the go-to person for crunch time, but the one who brings out the best in everyone? Well, it's not just about getting your tasks done or being Mr. or Ms. Nice all the time. It's more like being the secret sauce that makes the whole team deliciously successful.

Some people create New Year's resolutions that rarely stick. Instead, I create an "annual theme" to rally around. It's a mantra to use throughout the year to continually test whether I am moving in the right direction. It's the one thing that is most important to you. It can be a goal, but I typically find one or two words that encapsulate all areas of your life.

There are many ways to influence others — and most team members try to convince others of what they want and then sell the benefits. If this works, great! If not, you may want to try these techniques to gain influence.