Teamwork is the Key to Greater Success

Michael Jordan once said: “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence    wins championships.” This is coming from the most gifted Basketball player in  the history of the game. Even he recognizes that talent alone is not enough to win championships.

I have a picture hanging in my office from the year 1998. My Little League  Baseball team won the city championship. It was taken shortly after our clean-up hitter, Derek, hit a solo homerun in right field to put us in the lead of our rivals. As he approached home plate, the whole team ran out of the dugout with joy. I was the first one out and immediately jumped on top of Derek with my head in the air. The photographer took a snapshot of that moment. I am so glad he did because that image reminds me everyday of what my own Father engraved below the frame: “The reward of hard work.”

Derek helped us score a couple of runs, I pitched from the mound to maintain our lead, but it was a concerted team effort and not our individual talents that won the game. Our center fielder dove to make a great catch, the shortstop didn’t miss any ground balls hit to him, and even our teammates on the bench continually cheered and encouraged us throughout the game. We couldn’t have won the city championship without the team.

The same is true in life. In order to have a successful family, you need to work together. The mother, father, and even children are responsible for doing their part in making the family a thriving success. In work, you need to respect upper management, the boss, work with people on your level, and train others below you how to be more diligent, persistent, and sharp.

As Vince Lombardi famously stated: “Individual commitment to a group effort–that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” I have to remind my prideful self daily that no matter how hard I try, I will always perform better with help. With that said, what are some ways you have developed teamwork? Do you have any quotes that also inspire you?