I’ve never quite agreed with the saying, “there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’.” Well, I agree with it literally since, indeed there is no letter “i” in that word. I also agree and feel very strongly that the individual needs to put the interests of the team before their own.
The way the saying is often intended, however, is where I take issue. Its meaning is that there are no individuals within a team. In my opinion, a team is nothing more than a group of individuals who’ve come together in order to achieve a common goal.
If these individuals are wise, they understand that only by putting the good of the team ahead of their own interests will the team win. This is of the greatest benefit to them as individuals. This holds true for everything from sports to family to business.
Vince Lombardi himself, the famed NFL multi-Super Bowl Champion Coach said:
“Individual commitment to a group effort — that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”
The very first word in the above quote is about the individual.
All too often, when brought in to speak at sales and leadership conferences, the client will tell me that one of their biggest challenges is the silos that have formed, causing separation, both of spirit and communication. Those in one department believe theirs is the lynchpin of the company and that — without them, the company could not possibly succeed.
And, they are correct!
Of course, the same can be said about pretty much every other department.
This attitude results in a lack of trust, a dearth of communication, and a company bottom line that is not nearly as healthy as it could be. When that happens, jobs tend to go and the salaries are not nearly as robust.
In other words, putting one’s own (in this case, department’s) interests ahead of the entire team’s — or company’s — is also detrimental to the interests of the individual.
Sports? Family? Business?
They all involve individuals as well as others. And, to the degree we put the good of the team ahead of ourselves, that’s the degree we all thrive.
So, want to be part of a winning team? Then be a team player. Put the good of the team ahead of yourself
But, there’s no need to lose your individuality in the process.
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I think you landed that one of the team’s aircraft carrier.
Thank you, Pastor Tom! 🙂
Individual commitment & passion is really what makes a team win the race. Your post today is…… I have no words to explain, but it’s something to understand & implement as we proceed. You are an amazing person, Mr. Bob, & I know you know that. Thanks for being there. Eagerly waiting for your next post…….
Thank you, Brother Rajib. I appreciate your very kind feedback and complimentary words! 🙂
The same applies to the business partnerships I wrote about in my book….and those I coach. My client is the business and the individuals, each of them unique, trustworthy, skilled, etc. make up the well-oiled machine that causes the business to run well and succeed. Thank you for making this point.
Dorene: Thank you. I appreciate you joining the conversation and sharing your powerful thoughts with us!
Bob, very good points you make here and a great way to focus on the individual contributions that go to making a team successful. People inherently want to showcase their skills, talents, experiences and expertise. It’s those that do so in a way that suspends self-interest ahead of achieving an overarching goal. When done correctly, the contribution of the individual is not only recognized, it is applauded!
Thanks for the great piece my friend.
Gary
One of the ways to eliminate the feeling of one group or silo believing that they are the lynchpin is to have expanded team meetings where at least representatives of all the silos are in attendance on a regular basis. They need to see how each group fits into the “big picture” and how none of them could be effective without the others doing what they do.
Good points, Gentlemen.
Dorene
Gary: Thank you. Very grateful for your feedback. Knowing you as I do, and the terrific leadership you are providing as COO of a large healthcare company, I take that as a great compliment! One thing I notice about the great leaders is that they (you) do see those on their team as individuals, and look toward creating the environment where the team goals and individual goals are congruent; thus the individual willingly and happily suspends their own self-interest and greatly benefits the team. And, as you so fantastically said in your last sentence, “…the contribution of the individual is not only recognized, it is applauded.” Wow!
Dorene: Thank you for your feedback and contribution. Indeed, excellent idea. It’s difficult to appreciate what one doesn’t understand! Much gratitude!