Teamwork

For years, perhaps decades, “team” has been one of the most popular terms tossed around business circles. It is yet another sports metaphor meant to convey cooperation in competition. We hear about team concepts, safety teams, quality teams, maintenance teams, production teams, management teams, serve teams and others. It is so often used that most people have developed their own meaning of “team.”

Webster's online dictionary first defines teams in terms of draft animals harnessed to the same vehicle. The second definition again refers to a group of animals — in particular pigs or ducks — but indicates no common task or goal. The third definition is more modern and applicable to our experience: “A number of persons associated together in work or activity….“

Webster's has but one definition of teamwork: “Work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.”

That's interesting. There is no reference to accomplishment of a common goal, no indication of competition, and no hint of winning or losing. But, perhaps Webster's is on to something. Let's look more closely at the definition.

TEAM BY ANY OTHER NAME

First, teamwork requires work. There is activity. The word assumes some productivity takes place. Most people leave home to go to work; those who work from home often have a special place set aside only for work. Most people leave work to return home (or to some alternate destination). Work is what is done at your place of business.

Second, this work is done by several associates; this is an interesting choice of terms. One person cannot make up a team. Webster's defines this work as being done by associates — not persons and not individuals, but associates. Associates have something in common that disconnected individuals do not possess. That something may be a common goal, common attributes, or common interests. These people have something in common with each other that makes them teammates.

Third, each of the associates does only a part of the work. It is either impossible or impractical for one team member to accomplish all of the work. There is reliance among the associates (let's call them teammates). There is a trust that each teammate will do his or her part of the work.

Fourth, each teammate understands the contributions of each team member. If one teammate fails, the entire team will fail, or the slack must be picked up by the remaining teammates. Success is shared; failure is shared. All participants are equally important. No team member feels valued above another.

Fifth, Webster's definition reveals that the objective is the success of the whole. This is where we would expect to see a phrase like “to accomplish a common goal.” Perhaps Webster's was trying to avoid the finality of reaching the goal. Once the goal is achieved, teamwork may no longer be necessary. However, if the objective is efficiency, the implication is that the process is continuous, as is teamwork.

Here at MCAG we invite you to join the team, jump in get involved. We can't do it without you. If we all do a little bit we can accomplish a lot for the kingdom of God.