In our early schooldays, we learn that perfect pitch gains us a solo in the chorus. We find that scoring points on the basketball court earns us more playing time. In short, we learn to become individual performers within organizational structures that appear to be a team.
Organizations continue to espouse teamwork while maintaining an organizational vocabulary that is peppered with “I,” “me,” and “my,” highly individualistic language. Due to our ingrained individual-based merit system, we simply don’t see the irony of individual-centric organizations claiming to be team oriented.
A loose collection of individuals working independently of each other does not make a team. The concept of “teamwork” has become a misguided imitation of actual teamwork.
A self-interested “team member” is not an actual member of the organizational team; he or she is counterproductive to the success of the organization in the long run.
The achievement of the team, the genuine entirety of the team, is not commonly prioritized. In its purest sense, teamwork is difficult, and, for that reason, unpopular.
Stroll down the business section of your local bookstore or scroll online and you’ll encounter an abundance of authors claiming that they know how to achieve one’s individual best, how to achieve individual success, and how to become an excellent leader. Individualism, as a subtheme, is heavily implied, and, in many cases, believed to be a necessary characteristic that business greatness is purportedly built upon.
A self-centered leader, by definition, does not have followers – or more accurately, willing followers.
Listen carefully to the vocabulary used in your organization. Team leaders do not proclaim individual success; they speak of “we” and the united impact of the team. Team leaders do not rule by coercion; they invite participation in the formation of strategies and execution. Most importantly, team leaders do not seek personal recognition; they recognize the success of the team as a whole.
Join the team and lead the “we” in your organization.