“Together we stand, divided we fall,
Come on now people let’s get on the ball and work together…
‘Cause together we stand, every boy, girl, woman and man.”
– Lyric from John Mayall’s “Let’s Work Together”
Yes, it takes a team. And yes, being a teammate requires that we work together. But teams function best when each individual is doing their job at peak effectiveness and efficiency.
Phil Jackson, when he first assumed the head coaching job with the Michael Jordan-Era Chicago Bulls told Jordan, “Michael, I need you to understand that there is no “I” in “team.” Jordan thought, and then replied, “I know, Phil, but there is one in “win.”
Ironically, they’re both right. Both of them “get it.”
Watch the quarterback who just knows he’s not going to get drilled from the blind side throw a football to the perfect spot, time after time, because that left tackle and guard are doing their job. Watch and listen to the soloist in a band know exactly when to wrap it up, because he or she hears the drummer trigger the break. Check in to a Ritz, Four Seasons or Fairmont hotel and realize that even the housekeeping staff knows your name.
About ten years ago, one of my closest friends joined Medinah Country Club, outside Chicago. Upon my first invitation to be his guest, I arrived before he did. The gate attendant, when I told him who my host was, said, “Welcome, Mr. Heston.” Unprompted, the valet parking dude said, “Welcome to Medinah, Mr. Heston! Mr. Domke’s not here yet, but Fito is waiting for you in the locker room.” Fito greeted me in the locker room with, “Mr. Heston! Welcome to Medinah! How was the drive down from Milwaukee? Listen, I gonna get you something good to drink and I gonna shine up those shoes, and I gonna let you know when Mr. Domke arrives, ok?”
Teamwork.
I don’t remember how I played that first visit, but I will never forget how I felt upon arriving, and how I’ve felt every time since.
Yes, it’s a team, and it’s called “teamwork” accordingly. But it is all dependent upon each individual’s relentless execution.
Matt Heston says
Each member of the team must perform as if they believe that their role is an important role. This starts from management, making sure each player feels validated and understands the full picture, and how each piece of the puzzle works together.