Teamwork

By Anne Walter 

Teamwork…a concept deeply ingrained in most of us throughout our lives, whether taught throughout our school years or as adults within the workplace. The mantra, “no i in team” still resonates with me and is a great reminder of the importance of teamwork. For as much as it’s referenced though, is it practiced as often as we would like? 

Depending on who you ask, some say they don’t experience it as much as they should. Hearing this response from a friend of mine prompted me to step back and consider why she felt this way. I thought about how I could be more aware, and that teamwork shouldn’t be relegated to popular meeting lingo. 

We need to remind ourselves to consistently engage with others, create broader team boundaries. We should have an awareness of our differences / similarities and how they can be a valuable contributor, both in and out of meetings. This is a vital component of teamwork. All of us can be open to more social interactions, going outside our comfort zones and incorporating “team” communications with those who might not be in our “inner circle.”   

It's easy to be around others who think like us and have the same opinions, that’s human nature…but to expand our definition of what it means to be a “team” that truly supports and motivates one another which in turn allows us to continually develop our interpersonal skills on every level. A business meeting with a diverse group of people of varying personalities, skill sets, and thought processes results in a diversity of options and solutions…and that’s a Team! 

When we consistently redefine the definition of teamwork, that broader awareness of others…that cohesion….we just might be surprised at the positiveness we create. Teamwork…it’s more than just a “buzzword.”