Thursday, February 7, 2013

Community Teamwork: What Does It Look Like?

 “There is no ‘I’ in team…” is a common quote used by leaders who want to inspire their employees, staff and other managers to work smarter, become leaner, and maximize outcomes.   The hope and goal is to see noticeable increase in productivity and the bottom line.   All leaders know that to achieve sustainable results, teamwork is at the heart of what made the difference.  It makes the difference for any company, city and even at the grass root level, especially when there is an interest to go from “good to great.”   However, leaders also know that achieving effective teamwork is easier said than done; for teamwork also requires… work. 

Showing Our Colors
Each week and all across America, thousands of people attend numerous team sporting events just to cheer and support their favorite team.  They wear their team colors, wave banner and participate in cheers.  Even more people attend local team sporting events at middle and high schools, community parks, churches and universities.  These spectators and supporters are interested in seeing their team complete to win, to show team spirit, and enjoy the moment.   

Overall, people enjoy seeing teamwork in action at football, soccer, basketball, hockey, and baseball games.  Each game always provides some thrilling moments, hidden success and unexpected outcomes.  For all people know that something special can happen at each and every game and you want to be there to witness that moment.  Depending on the kind of game, teamwork is more likely to play a bigger role in the outcomes of the game, than any individual accomplishment during the game.  Of course individual accomplishments of any team member can make the difference and lead to the win and of course the play of any member can also lead to its defeat.         

Cheering for the Home Team
Teamwork is something that does not come naturally for most people; it takes time, and is always a work in progress.  At the heart of “teamwork” is training and the more individuals on a team trains together, the more likely the team will achieve success.  Training is about acquiring the discipline, stamina, trust, attention to detail and work ethic needed to reach positive outcomes. 

A team is made up of people who have strengths and weaknesses.   Teamwork relies on the collective talent, skill and experiences of those on the team to complete the mission and reach the goal. When team members buy into a shared mission and vision of the business, agency or organization; great things always happen.  Teamwork is about people who work together with a purpose.  On the contrary, least effective teams fail to achieve noteworthy results when its members remain focus on working in solos, personal agendas and with blinders to the possibilities.     

For Urban America, teamwork at the grass root level needs cultivation, supported and acknowledged.   Like any other team, grass root level teamwork can lead to fantastic results and provides an opportunity to a longer lasting impact in getting things done.  Urban America needs help to inspire others to see the possibilities of what teamwork can do for their community.  Grass root teamwork is what makes any city great, the results are clear and on display every day.   In the words of legendary Coach Vincent T. Lombardi, who once said “the achievements of an organization are the result of the combined effort of each individual.”  

Come Join the Grass Root Team… no experience necessary!!!

 

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