We have all seen geese flying in the V formation, but ever wondered why that is so? Well, as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a V formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 per cent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own! That’s how teamwork pays.
On the same lines, teams are the predominant way we work now. In fact, most organisations are reorganising their workplaces into flatter team structures that may even be scattered across the country or the globe for that matter. Evidently, gone are the days when we could be our own leader and do our own work independently without ever seeking assistance!With the world embracing teams at large, employees have no choice but to work together and contribute their skills, knowledge, talent and abilities in the quest to achieve common goals. This importance of teamwork has grown all the more in today’s turbulent times as joint efforts and collaboration dictates our every survival. Yet, many of us still prefer to go it alone rather than work in teams.
At this juncture, it pays to understand the importance of the new culture of teamwork and how it really makes a difference. Teamwork benefits both the team members and the organisation. It not only makes things easier and reduces your individual workload, but you can also do so much more. As the saying goes, ‘many hands make light work’.The joint efforts will also help you to achieve goals quicker and produce incredible results. In fact, it is team action that can literally move mountains!
Then there is the unbeatable feeling of empowerment that comes from achieving things together that you could never have otherwise been able to manage alone. As one team worker rightly remarked, “It makes me feel part of something larger than what my job position describes as my role!” This will also build your self-esteem and confidence, not to mention a budding sense of community with the team.
Apart from this, you are free to focus on what you are good at, leaving the rest to others with distinct skills. On the other hand, you can also easily learn new skills from each other thus enhancing your individual proficiencies.
Needless to say, teamwork is not only important but also essential – it is the only way to be successful!
How to stand by each other
It’s a challenge to be a contributing member of a team – joining hands will not happen on its own, you have to work towards it by moulding yourself accordingly and be willing to work together.
This begins with first understanding why the team really exists, what are the common goals, vision and purpose besides what is your own unique role and responsibilities. You have to be willing to go the distance, i.e. be prepared to help others as well as open to accepting help when needed. Teamwork calls for constant personal interaction and open communication as you readily share ideas, information and know-how. Also, put aside your personal opinions, issues and aspirations to focus on the greater good of the team.
There is hard work and compromise involved as you share leadership (if there is no team leader) and take turns doing the difficult jobs.
Again, team spirit is not about competition (me vs. others) but cooperation (me with others) as you willingly join hands and combine efforts. This is not to say that you as an individual are no longer important. But you do have to go beyond individual accomplishments to be a true team player. You also have to stand by each other as you do your best to support, encourage and inspire everyone. Such selflessness requires a positive attitude, harmony and wholehearted dedication to the team. To sum up, it’s actually a great privilege to be a part of a team once you master the fundamentals and start working together!
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