I am a big fan of teamwork. Most of my life I have worked in settings that require some form of group effort to get the work done. Currently, one of my roles actually involves a task that would be completely impossible without teamwork. It's amazing when it works well, and it's a real challenge when it doesn't!
Teamwork Challenges
Let's start with some of the things that get in the way of teamwork working well.
1 - Ego. If one or more people on the team let their ego get in the way, things get bogged down. Some people think there are certain tasks that are beneath them, so they aren't willing to help with that if the person responsible for that is struggling. Other people think they can do everything, so they just jump in and act like the savior in every situation.
2 - Ego. Some people think they know the best way to do something or to handle a situation, or they think they should know how to do something and they allow their ego to prevent them from asking for help. When our ego causes us to work from a place of arrogance, assumption, or ignorance, the work gets bogged down and critical mistakes can happen.
Clearly it seems like Ego may be one of the biggest barriers to great teamwork!
Teamwork Synergy
So, what are some of the factors that can help create powerful Teamwork?
1 - Appreciation. When the members of a team recognize the role each unique individual plays in the overall task and they appreciate the unique strengths each of those people bring to the whole, it's easier to let each person take ownership of their own task. When we can trust each other and the abilities we each bring to the whole, there is a sense of accomplishment that only comes from the whole of the team together!
2 - Initiative. While it is critical to trust each member of the team to accomplish their unique part, great teams are also filled with people who are constantly looking around for opportunities to jump in and help their teammates when they can, and when it's appropriate. This isn't about taking over for someone or even becoming the savior of the team (see Ego above!), but is remembering that while we each have unique roles to accomplish, there is still a larger, overall task we are all working toward. If there is something I can do to help someone else toward the greater task, why wouldn't we take the initiative and help?!
What are some of the characteristics of great teams you've been on? Are there lessons you've learned from poor teams that you don't want to repeat again? In what ways are you tempted to let your ego get in the way of being a great team member? What would it look like for you to lean into appreciation this week, and how could you take initiative in a way that helped toward the greater task?
Here's to being a great Team Member this week!
Be Well,
Stephen
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