There are always people looking to cut others out and be the star of the show or try to take charge of the whole project themselves. Maybe they want all the attention and credit for themselves or to take all the compensation paid to complete the project. Perhaps it is ego and insecurity.
Our internal problems often externally express themselves in unhealthy and unproductive ways. The problem is major challenges almost always require collaboration within a team.
I look at what’s required for success, and I know my strengths and limitations. A team with complementary capabilities helps optimize my talents and make my weaknesses irrelevant. I need the knowledge, skills, and perspectives I don’t have.
Teamwork enhances productivity, efficiency, innovation, morale, and effectiveness. A less talented but true team will likely outcompete a more gifted group of people who cannot operate as a team.
If you recruit, hire, evaluate, and promote for teamwork, you are likely to get it. Of course, utilize all the other tools of management to foster a team culture such as training, policy, supervision, technology, etc..
Selfishness is the enemy of achievement. Whether it is the Renaissance or winning World War II, it is teamwork which changes history.
I am always looking to cut others in and build a team who can best achieve our specific objectives. I would much rather have less credit, control, or compensation but ultimately see optimal results. It always has to be about the mission and not me.
Sources: Abrashoff, 2002; Blanchard, 2011; Collins, 2001; Drucker, 2001; Grant, 2017; Kotter, 2012; Lencioni, 2012; Maxwell, 1998; Welch, 2005.
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