“There are many teams in all sports that have great players and never win titles. Most of the time, those players are not willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of the team. The funny thing is, in the end, their lack of will.” sacrificing only makes individual goals harder to achieve. One thing I fully believe is that if you think and achieve as a team, individual accolades will take care of themselves. Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” Michael Jordan
What is a team? According to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, a team is: a number of people associated in a job or activity.
What is teamwork? Work done by various associates, each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual achievement toward organizational goals. It is the fuel that enables ordinary people to achieve extraordinary results.” A stranger
Equipment comes in all shapes and sizes. Parents working with teachers to help students reach their potential are an example of a team. So is the individual employed by an organization, who works together with his colleagues. Your favorite team’s coach working with staff members and players forms another unique team. So what makes one team more successful than another?
They have a mission: Successful organizations have a mission statement. What is a mission statement? A mission statement describes the purpose of your organization/team. It captures the qualities the team wants to develop, what the team’s goals are, and how the team is going to get there. In other words, it is a roadmap.
Winning teams set realistic and achievable goals. Once their goals (objectives) are reached, they set new goals. Winners need to be challenged. There has to be team awareness and communication. Team members need to be aware of what is going on around them in relation to the team’s overall game plan. That awareness involves a perception of how the individual is doing. For an athlete, that could be what he does in class, on the court, and in his interactions with other people.
Communication is a two-way street. A team that communicates together is more likely to get things done to be successful.
Successful teams are disciplined teams. My main rule of thumb when dealing with athletes is: be where you’re supposed to be, do what you’re supposed to do, when you’re supposed to.
They are engaged. They are willing to do whatever it takes (WIT) to help the team achieve its goals. Your commitment must be legal, moral and ethical. Your individual goals are secondary to the team goals.
Periodic review of individual and team performance. Athletes, as well as those who are part of a business organization, need feedback. They need to be told what they are doing well and what they need to work on to improve individual and team performance.
They have a winning attitude. They believe in themselves, their teammates, and their mission. They don’t allow negative “stinking thoughts” to sidetrack them. They associate with other “winners.” And they know that success leaves clues.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed people can change the world. In fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.” A stranger
“Coming together is a start…staying together is progress…working together is success.” John C Maxwell