Main Idea
When you were a kid did you like to play by yourself or with others? When you see a small group of people accomplish something incredible, are you jealous? Do you see the beauty in synchronized swimming or diving? Or have you watched the Blue Angels flying in formation? How do they do it?
Expansion of the Idea
Almost everyone knows who Michael Jordan is. He is probably the greatest athlete that we have ever known. He is super competitive, fiercely independent and one of the best basketball players I have ever seen. When he came out of college, he played for 6 years with the Chicago Bulls rapidly developing into the best player ever. However, he could not win a championship. He could score 30, 40 or 50 points a game yet they did not have a chance in winning the championship. Not until the Chicago Bulls acquired Scottie Pippen, and a few role players that really do not belong on the same court as Michael Jordan, did the Bulls win a NBA championship. And then they won 6 championships over the next 6 years that Michael Jordan played.
What was the secret?
Michael Jordan discovered a critical key for success. TEAMWORK!!!!! When Michael Jordan and his teammates discovered, embraced and lived by this core value their success was probably guaranteed. Everyone on that team knew their role. And when they acquired the ultimate free spirit, Dennis Rodman, a lot of people thought that the Bulls could not handle him on the team. But he fit in almost perfectly because he knew his role and his teammates could count on him. Yes, the team was a collection of individuals, but they played as a team.
Most businesses do not function as a team and the result is that they do not achieve the success that they should have. Team members do not know what is expected of them. They do not know what everyone else is doing or what is planned. Their compensation package is designed in isolation and there is no emphasis on team results. Our systems are all geared towards individual attention. Does your team celebrate the victories together and learn from the losses together?
Action Items
Decide if teamwork is or should be a core value for your organization.
Make a list of your team and what their duties are.
Make sure that people know what is expected of them.
Share your plans.
Encourage the team.
Celebrate all victories as a team.