In this series, The Tricks of Teamwork, we have explored the characteristics that are critical to one’s skill and success as a team player. This article will focus on the last of the six, which is Collaboration.
Teams don’t need to be inseparable by any means. We are individuals, so some level of separateness is to be expected, but when our independence interferes with our ability to work together toward a common goal, we know we’re in trouble. As a team, we have to be moving in the same direction; otherwise, it’s impossible to experience any unity or camaraderie.
In order for a group to be operating as a team, each individual must be willing to align her needs/objectives with those of her team. If one player is determined to “hog the ball,” or be a “lone ranger,” or stand out as the “all-star,” that action is bound to alter the other players’ attitudes. Selfishness of any sort separates players, whereas, collaboration creates cohesion and concordance.
Getting along isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but staying on the same side is essential if you hope to at least be looking in the same direction. Building this connection is quite possibly the first step a team should take to find their way to the other five tricks of teamwork: Competency, Commitment, Adaptability, Communication and Awareness.
