Individualism vs. Teamwork

"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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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).

8. 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. To Jack, it wasn't important that he personally
got the best lines and laughs week after week. In fact, he was often the butt of many of the
jokes. Instead, he made sure his cast, guests, and writers all received the accolades they
deserved. It was more important to Benny that people said they had tuned into
"The Show" as opposed to tuning in to see "Jack Benny." He was right.

I realize there are instances in business when it becomes necessary to exercise
individualism, but these are becoming a rarity. Instead companies can find greater
glory as a team as opposed to a group of individuals.

"Individual glory is insignificant when compared to achieving victory as a team."
- Dot Richardson, M.D.
U.S. Olympic Softball Team
Two time Gold Medal Champions

For more information on corporate culture, see:

No. 28 - "Understanding Corporate Culture" - June 13, 2005
http://www.phmainstreet.com/mba/ss050613.pdf