Individualism vs. Teamwork
Bryce's Law states there is more to building a team than buying new uniforms. In this article Tim Bryce of MBA discusses the power of teamwork versus individualism.
"There is more to building a team than buying new uniforms."
- Bryce's Law
Introduction
As you travel around corporate America these days, you hear a lot about "teams";
that groups, departments or whole divisions are trying to behave more as a team
as opposed to a group of individuals. Its the latest catch phrase du jour. I
guess someone finally figured out the power of teamwork. But just how much of
this represents sincere efforts? My corporate contacts tell me its mostly
facade. They contend they get some nifty new corporate shirts and some great pep
talks, but aside from this, little else. As much as corporations tout the need
for teamwork, most still encourage rugged individualism.
There is more to creating a team than simply saying you are one. New shirts and
axioms are nice, but in order for this to work, people have to think and act as
a team. In other words, success hinges on it becoming a natural part of the
corporate culture.
Corporate Culture
Teachers, coaches, and drill instructors have long understood the value of
teamwork. The intent is to turn a heterogeneous working environment into a
homogeneous environment whereby everyone is working in a concerted effort
towards common goals. But do corporate managers truly understand teamwork? Not
necessarily. Many still create competitive environments in the hope that the
strongest will rise to the surface. Teamwork is more
about cooperation than it is about competition.
This brings up an important point: Teamwork is taught. It means developing a
disciplined work environment where the participants must conform to a specific
set of rules. Inevitably, it means breaking some work habits and creating new
ones. This can be painful, yet necessary if you want to achieve the desired
results. Basically, you are teaching people how to live and work together as
opposed to apart.
In the United States there is more of a natural inclination to teach
individualism as opposed to teamwork; perhaps this is because we are a nation
based on freedoms. For example, our public school systems have minimal dress and
hair codes; each student is allowed to look and dress as they personally see
fit, many with some very questionable taste.
This is permitted as it is believed the individual must be allowed to freely
express him/herself. This may be fine, but it certainly does not promote a
spirit of teamwork. Compare it to other countries, such as Japan, where students
are required to where school uniforms and are given group assignments, such as
the preparation and cleanup of their daily lunch. In Japan, students are taught
the value of cooperation at an early age which has the added benefit of
improving their socialization skills.
As mentioned, teamwork requires the establishment of a working environment
conducive to teamwork. It doesn't happen simply by making some platitudinous
statements. A manager must do more, much more; some suggestions:
First and foremost: Lead. All teams need a leader who can articulate goals and
give direction. The team must trust and believe in its leader. Without such
confidence, the team will not likely follow the leader, particularly in times of
difficulty. The leader should also be wary of leading by democratic rule.
Soliciting input is one thing, as is having assistants, but there can only be
one ultimate leader to guide the team.
Institute uniform operating practices that everyone will be expected to conform
to, such as operating hours of work, dress code, office appearance, speech and
conduct, etc. Such uniformity stresses the equality of the workers. As another
suggestion, downplay job titles and put more emphasis on work assignments
instead. Job titles tend to emphasize a person's stature in a company and can be
disruptive in terms of equality.
Establish standard practices for executing work assignments, thereby everyone is
following the same methods, and using the same tools and techniques in their
work effort. This improves communications, provides for the interchangeability
of workers, and promotes the development of quality work products.
Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities and assignments and understands
their importance. Nobody wants to be regarded as the weakest link and, as such,
the manager must be able to communicate their importance and carefully balance
the workload. Yes, there will be those workers who will undoubtedly excel over
others, but teamwork is a group effort. If a weaker worker needs additional
training, either give it to him or replace him.
Routinely check progress. Whenever applicable, keep statistics on both team and
individual performance. However, it is not important to publish such stats. It
is important for the leader to know the team's strengths and weaknesses, but it
is nobody else's business.
Be on the lookout for conflicts in working relationships. Some people will
simply not get along and it is up to the manager to referee such conflicts.
Either have the people work out their differences, keep them apart, or rid
yourself of them. You want harmony, not contention, on your team.
Allow time for the team to meet and discuss issues as a group. This keeps
everyone in tune with common goals, problems, and the team's general progress.
It also allows the team to socialize and form a camaraderie (a bonding of
unity).
Recognize individual achievement but reward on a team basis as opposed to an
individual basis.
Conclusion
Are we really trying to promote teamwork or is this nothing more than the latest
corporate fad that is being implemented more for public relations than anything
else? Let's hope for the former and not the latter. Teamwork is a powerful
concept, particularly when there is anything of substance to be done.
Shrewd managers intuitively understand the need for teamwork. Let me give you an
example from the world of entertainment. Jack Benny, the famous comedian of
yesteryear had a great appreciation for teamwork. His radio and television shows
were consistently at the top of the rating charts for a number of years. When
asked what his secret to success was, Benny simply said teamwork.
