Are you part of a true team?
The term โteamโ is often used in a business context. It is prevalent in certain industries like real estate, financial services and with technology-based businesses.
All too often these are simply groups of people in a related industry that meet periodically for a variety of reasons. This does not mean they are really part of a true team.
In its purest sense, members of a team work together to achieve a common goal. Achieving the goal of the organization is of primary importance even when it comes at the expense of a team member.
In fact, true team members look out for and protect each other. They would sacrifice themselves for the people next to them. They would sacrifice themselves for the benefit of the group. Military special forces like the Navy SEALs or Army Rangers are very good examples of a true team.
Conversely, in many business settings, team members would actually sacrifice others for their benefit. It happens every day, yet they say they are all part of the same team.
Management is responsible for the culture in the work environment. True leaders will establish a culture where employees feel like they are part of a team. They will feel safe in the work environment. They can all focus their collective efforts on achieving the organizationโs goals.
Average managers will establish a culture where employees do not feel like they are part of a team. Employees will not feel safe in the work environment because coworkers look out for themselves instead of each other.
We need better leaders and less managers in the workplace. You do not need a fancy title to be a leader. The average employee who protects those on their left and right will be viewed by others as a true leader.
