Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Pillars of Teamwork
Some companies and athletic teams use the words teamwork or team to describe how their organization works. That's extremely important. Some don't mention teamwork or team.These organizations are the ones that experience stagnation. My research indicates while many companies and athletic organizations taut teamwork, many do not grow teamwork methodology, processes, and skills to benefit from teamwork. Teamwork is a tangible. It requires conscious intelligent effort to blossom.
Andrew Carnegie, an extremely successful entrepreneur and former leader of US Steel once said, "Take away all our trade, our avenues of transportation, our money. Leave us with nothing but our organization, and in four years we shall have reestablished ourselves." Benjamin Fairless, another great US Steel leader said that, without organization, US Steel would amount to little; and without teamwork, "we would have no organization."
Championships are won by teamwork. The NBA's dynasty teams are the Boston Celtics (16 championships), Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (14 championships), and Chicago Bulls (6 championships). I guarantee those championship rings were won by teamwork. It also brought beautiful execution of plays, movement, and spectacular runs.
Move forward to a New Best Level™ by giving teamwork a much-needed second look in your business and life.
As I observe and research the best companies and athletic teams, the pillars of teamwork readily appear as:
Responsibility
Skills
Accountability as fun
Responsibility has two parts. One: Treat each teammate well to create more respect. It takes special people to achieve special results. Be a special person at all times and you will easily gain results, admiration, and loyalty from your teammates. Two: Self-discipline keeps you on the upward trend to a New Best Level, and the team follows.
Grow your business and life skills. Michael Jordan had to learn the business of the NBA to help form a championship team. His talent and skills were honed and continued to grow because positive change happens. When it's time, take over the basketball game to win all the basketball games!
Without accountability, you and I have no fun, so we need to make each other accountable. This is the bond that says, "When you succeed, I'm there to give you a high five! When you fail, I'm there to help!" Then the championships, company profitability, and your life are revving for the celebration! Celebrate and, years from now, we all are going to have a whole lot of fun reminiscing.
Of course, the good intangibles are what separate a person, company, and athletic team from the not-so-good, and good tangible teamwork is necessary to feed and encourage good intangibles.
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