“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
It is incredible how much of our precious time and energy focus on differences instead of aligning on similarities and commonalities.
Once we recognize that we are all in this life together and that our dreams for life are more similar than different, we can get a lot more done. Grab an oar and row, time to move the boat forward…
“Trust is the glue that holds people together and is the lubricant that keeps an organization moving forward.”
Colin Powell
Glue binds parts together to align and function not as individual components but as a complete operating system.
Motor oil reduces friction, overheating, and damage to the engine.
I don’t imagine that there are too many effective teams that can function without these components. The question is, do you need more oil, glue, or both?
“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
Vince Lombardi
Working together with a team towards a common and shared purpose is so powerful. When there is a common purpose, a shared goal that has 100% commitment, then there is no room for hidden agendas, no place for politics, no backstabbing or power struggles.
When the goals of the individual are more important than those of the group that is when the bad stuff happens and dissension builds in the team. How do you ensure this doesn’t happen?
First, make sure you aren’t part of the problem. Are you spending any effort that detracts from the common mission and purpose? Are you more interested in being right, than in doing what is right?
Second, is there a common purpose? A clearly defined objective that everyone understands and believes in?
Third, Does everyone know what is expected of them? Are roles clearly defined with the key success metrics and targets aligned to the achievement of the goal?
Fourth, Is the team reviewing successes and CANDIDLY talking about failures or setbacks in a non-personal and non-threatening manner with the focus on the mission, not the person.
As Vince said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – That is what makes a team work…”
There is a great deal of satisfaction that comes when you are part of a team. The energy that comes from working with others towards a shared vision is palpable. Success becomes the result, not just a goal or a thing to be achieved.
Without teamwork I would argue that while a specific task or objective might be achieved, the true opportunity is left unfulfilled. Teamwork unlocks the magic of what could be.
Why then do teams get off track? Lack of a crystal clear vision or goal and clearly aligned team and individual objectives that bring focus and clarity to the work at hand. Without this there is always going to be some sand in the gears so to speak.
If you haven’t read “Measure What Matters” by John Doerr I highly recommend it. One of the best books I have read on creating focus and clarity as a team. Truly exceptional.