Your Career is Not An Individual Sport.

“It is amazing how much you can accomplish when it doesn't matter who gets the credit”
- Harry S. Truman

A thought provoking quote like that one lays a foundation for leadership. Teamwork is an essential element of leadership, yet the term “my career” is often perceived as an individual sport. In the highly competitive corporate world, individual achievement can overshadow the core component of any corporation’s success – teamwork. Overlooking this key element and trying to standout at any cost may work for a stretch of time, but truly successful people know that “no one is smarter then everyone” and being a team player with the readiness to help others ensures success in the long term.

Here is an example taken from the book “The 8th Habit” by Stephen Covey that illustrates the point of teamwork in the corporate world.

The following was a poll completed by 23,000 employees from various companies. Here is what they found:

Only 37 percent said they have a clear understanding of what their organization is trying to achieve and why.
Only 20 percent were enthusiastic about their team’s and their organization’s goals; said they have a clear link between their tasks and their team’s organizational goals; and, fully trusted the organization they worked for.
Only 15 percent felt that their organization fully enables them to execute key goals.
To get a real understanding of these statistics Stephen Covey uses the analogy of an 11 man soccer team.

If a soccer team had these same scores, only 4 of the 11 players on the field would know which goal is theirs.
Only 2 of the 11 would care.
Only 2 of the 11 would know what position they play and know exactly what they are supposed to do.
All but 2 players would, in some way, be competing against their own team members rather than the opponent.

So I invite you to look at your career and ask yourself I'm I playing an individual sport or a team sport. Zig Ziglar once said “if you help enough people get what they want they will help you get what you want”. That mindset creates a framework for success.
To help you along your journey, I have provided you with 10 ways to get the most out of your team as a leader.

1. Integrity – Do what you say you’re going to do. The fastest way to break a connection with someone is breaking a promise.
2. Clear communication – Don’t assume, ask questions, and make sure you understand.
3. Don’t take things personally – Business is business. Focus on what is being said not how someone is saying it.
4. A team consists of a group of individuals – Learn to treat each individual as one.
5. Actively listen – Many times we are more concerned about what we have to say and don’t listen as effectively as we could listen. Solution, take the time fully listen and focus on the problem at hand.
6. Be open to new ideas – No one is smarter than everyone.
7. Strive to be the best – Don’t worry about failing, because every failure is a learning experience.
8. Look for ways to improve and build on ideas – Remember ideas are worth nothing without action.
9. Ask questions – When in doubt, ask questions because others who fear to ask the same questions will appreciate your courage.
10. Impose a positive attitude – This is the most important point. A negative attitude can quickly destroy a team however a positive attitude is the starting point of a successful team.

Try these tips for the next 30 days. As you start to see improvements pass these tips along to your team. Together you will be more successful and ensure your success in the long term. Remember “your career” is a team sport and the more people you help the more people you can add to your team, which can help you climb up the corporate ladder as a leader.