Teamwork (Community)

April 21st, 2008 by Mike Dixon - Regional Manager

Cold and Flu season has been in full force the past few months. It seems that every individual in our office has been affected in one way or another. If not themselves, it’s been a team or family member hit hard by the latest “sickness” that happens to be going around. I would advise against taking them any hot chicken noodle soup. In doing so, you might be tempted to take a little work to your sick teammate. Avoiding this temptation will be better for you and your teammate in the long run. You want your teammate better as soon as possible. Have the soup delivered instead!

Much like your family or area in which you live, your workplace team is a community. Linked together for the common good, there is a certain level of interdependence. When affected by the cold and flu season, our team understands that everyone will “step up” and give a little extra in support for those unable to hold their own.

When a team member falls short, we must get involved and make sure that the team does not fail. It isn’t selfish, but reality is if the team doesn’t perform and succeed, it is a reflection on us all.

The trust and respect of all team members for each other fosters good will and a sense of security. That feeling of belonging and safety allows us to know that even if we are out with the flu, our team has our backs; assuring projects and deadlines are being met, taking care of customer needs, and following up with urgent matters.

I mention the cold and flu season as an example and because this is actually happening within our office, but the reality is that there are many events in our lives that will force us to depend on others; if we’re lucky, a team. The security of knowing you’re not on your own is the true meaning of teamwork.