Does your Team Contribution Count?
What is teamwork? As we all know, it’s more than just a group of people working together. Have you ever wondered or evaluated just how much your input and contribution actually counts?
As an orchestral violinist for so many years, I always felt that teamwork came naturally and each rehearsal and concert contributed to success. How was it measured? It was really a combination of two factors – one from within the orchestra where colleagues supported and congratulated each other and the other, from the audience, and how they showed their appreciation.
So, when moving to a more corporate environment, it was quite a shock to see that teamwork and the effect is often not that great. The general belief that working in teams makes us more creative and productive doesn’t seem to hold true. The team leader needs to be strong, with clearly defined goals and he/she needs a carefully selected team. Time is also needed for the team to become effective.
How does it feel to be part of a great team? For me in the orchestra, it was that my contribution was revered as much as each other person, and that skills, knowledge and experience was shared. It was definitely a shared collaboration.
Are you part of a team at work? Do you feel a sense of satisfaction and pride in being part of the team? Do you make suggestions which are actually discussed and implemented? Or, are you brushed off? How does that make you feel? More determined or less motivated? Does your team leader boost morale?
I would love to hear from you !
