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"Teamwork is the ability to work together
toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual
accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel
that allows common people to attain uncommon results." - Andrew Carnegie
One of the most challenging aspects (and
perhaps the most rewarding) of leadership is taking a diverse
group of folks and providing opportunities for them to use their
unique talents to achieve the goals and objectives of the
organization. Nothing is more inspiring than watching a group of
employees build trusting working relationships, honor their
commitments, remain focused on the outcomes, use their energy to
solve problems, and celebrate their success as a team.
This is by no means an easy leadership feat.
It requires that leaders help individuals reframe their
understanding of how to contribute to the organization....that
working together as a well-honed group will produce greater
results for the organization. It requires that the leader
know and understand the capabilities and skills needed to achieve
certain outcomes and how to pull those capabilities together with
specific roles and responsibilities to leverage each person's
strengths (inclusion). It requires continuous learning and
understanding of the benefits of team as well as individual
contributions, and it requires that the organization empower,
encourage and reward team behaviors that produce outstanding
results.
Teamwork, when it works well, promotes many of
the behaviors that serve the organization and its stakeholders so
well over time: cooperation, trust, interpersonal effectiveness,
conflict resolution, problem solving and a host of other values
and competencies that can lead to group, individual and
organizational excellence.
How are your team leadership skills? How can your
organization benefit from greater team alignment and
performance? If you would like to explore ways to build high
performing teams, please contact Lateyfa Ali (Tee) at E. K. Ward
& Associates (716) 626.1188.
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