shineblog

“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

Each one of us, at some point in our lives, will have to work with a person or a group of people on an assignment to meet an objective or a common goal. This can be an assignment for a school project, a church event, or a collaborative project in the workplace. Did you know that being a team player is a key attribute for thriving and flourishing in the workplace? It is a strong interpersonal skill that must be acquired in order to achieve increased productivity, job promotions, and work recognition.

Teamwork is defined in Merriam-Webster’s dictionary as, “work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole.” 

I was introduced to teamwork at a very early stage in my career. The lessons that I have learned throughout the years have helped me to thrive and succeed in my work. As I continue to grow in the workplace, my goals and objectives are broader and on a larger scope. My vocabulary carries “we” and “our” more than “I” and “my” when communicating with others. I have shared knowledge, experiences, and ideas without any reservation. The experiences that I have encountered while working on projects, have become landmarks along my career path. When projects don’t go as well as I would have liked, I learn from the mistakes and move forward with no regrets or resentments. I enjoy each success to the fullest and celebrate with others when we receive recognition for an outstanding job. Here are a few tips to consider as you position yourself to thrive in the workplace:

1. Offer a tangible contribution. Success is dependent upon each team member’s ability to handle their assigned task on time and efficiently, while keeping in mind that it is a group effort that keeps any project on track. 

2. Communication is key, and involves consistently updating each other on the progress, and any issues or concerns.  Monitor your body language during interactions with teammates and be an active listener. Avoid gossip and be a peacemaker. 

3. Commit to the success of the project.It will define how your team functions. Oftentimes, plans will not go the way you designed and might need some intervention to put them back on track. Challenging times show character; you must rise up as a woman of God to assist in any way to help put things back on track.  

4. Share information, knowledge, and experience.  Be respectful of your team and encourage them to succeed. 

5. Be flexible and adaptable to ever-changing situations. There may be times when new ideas may be introduced that were not previously considered. Avoid complaints and keep the project on track.

6. Minimize conflicts with team members and set time aside to deal with differences in a godly manner. Obtaining your information from the source and not through third parties will minimize conflicts. When in doubt, go to the source.

7. Give credit to those who help you achieve your task. Be thankful for their help. 

8. Learn from your mistakes by reviewing shortfalls, and develop a plan of action for future improvement. 

9. Celebrate your achievements fully with your team members and give God all the praise.  

Teamwork is one of those life lessons that will bring about success in the workplace, in your life, and in ministry. God gives us the tools and empowers us to flourish and thrive in all we do, if we continually seek His guidance and wisdom. Bring that wisdom to the workplace and always remember: there is no “I” in teamwork!

Teamwork scriptures:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
 if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NIV)

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you,
but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”
(1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV)

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6 NIV)

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others,
as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
(1 Peter 4:10 NIV)