What is Teamwork?

We've probably all heard the expression "There is no I in Team!" - yet really, what does that mean? I've been spending some time with several different companies and helping them get to a "performing stage" of teamwork. Yet, I've noticed a common problem with all these teams.

Teamwork really is defined as a group of people who collaborate and interact to reach a common goal. The problem is that common goal. Everyone seems to have a different interpretation of what that common goal is.

If you were to think about the five most important tasks that sit on your desk from day to day - what would they be? Ask you supervisor (or supervisors) the very same question. This is important. I'm willing to bet that your list and your supervisors list would be considerably different.

How can we be working as a team (even if it is only a team of two) if we are working toward different goals?

This different goal problem not only affects teamwork, it also affects time management, priority management, stress management and communication! Hard to believe that such a little tiny detail can have such a big impact.

Back in the early 1990's the popular trend was Mission Statements. I can count on one hand how many people have their Mission Statement memorized. I usually just advise them to go down to the front lobby of their office, and they will find it on hanging in a beautiful frame on the wall. This was a great idea - the follow through was the problem. As companies, departments, teams and workgroups we need to know what our individual team goal is. Perhaps it is the same as the one in the front lobby - whether that be Customer Service, High Quality or Cost Effectiveness. It also is more fine tuned than that.

My recommendation is to have a meeting (go ahead and organize it yourself) to find out what that "Common Commitment" really is. Not only will you look good, your entire team will benefit from the results. But…. Do more than just talk about it, follow through with the results!