SCRIPTURE: “Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV).
QUOTE: “Synergy – the bonus that is achieved when things work together harmoniously.” –Mark Twain.
NOTE:
United we stand, divided we fall is a statement entrenched in military operations. It is however applicable to the operations of every team that needs to succeed. No doubt, each team member has different, definite and distinct roles to play in the team; each role must be in sync with the big picture which fuses together all roles, skills, efforts etc. in the direction of a central goal.
Here is how Stephen Covey aptly puts it; “synergy is better than my way or your way, it’s our way.” Leaders must know however that team cohesion does not happen by chance; it must be deliberately engineered. Hence, synergy is an end result that is intentionally aimed at. Believe it or not, people have the tendencies of wanting to be an isolated super star. Nothing is wrong with desiring to be a shining star, everything is wrong with it if it will hinder or frustrate others in playing their roles and contributing their quotas. In management, it is called blocking.
How does a leader emphasize and encourage teamwork? In addition to the other issues we have earlier discussed, the leader needs to establish trust within the team members, encourage unhindered and frequent communication, give the teams the liberty to make necessary decisions, and provide the team with learning experiences. Also, the leader should be bold to reorganize teams when necessary; making allegiance to the central goals(s) a more important motivation than loyalty to any small group.
ILLUSTRATION:
The executive management team of a multi-national company was visiting one of the nations where they have business presence. While taking them on the tour of the factory, the Chief Engineer was personally operating all the machines in the various units and departments. He would ask the machine operators to step aside. At the end of the tour, the Chief Engineer was fired! Why? He was an overbearing super star who wanted to take all the glory at the expense of others. With people like him, the present may be good for an organization but the future is dangerously bleak. Sure you know why.
REFLECTION:
- Have you ever worked with a team member who was uncooperative?
- On investigation, what did you discover were his/her reasons?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Kings 22:1-23:35, Psalm 31