TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More

Over the last decade, we have eroded away from being a “TEAM” society and have become a “Me” society. Everywhere you look people are trying to make a name for themselves,become the next “big” thing, get their fifteen minutes of fame while making a significant amount of money. The “Me” mind-set is if it does not benefit or give me pleasure now, then I do not want it.

The sad thing is that we are losing the art of the TEAM. The fact of the matter is that we can gain more working as a TEAM rather than working as a MEAM (Me-Team). Most people understand this concept but have trouble taking a bunch MEAMS and converting them into a TEAM.

So what does it take to go from MEAMS to TEAM?

VISION OR GOAL: In order to create a TEAM, you need to define the goal or vision. That goal has to appeal to each MEAM. It may be the pride of accomplish for some of the MEAMS. It could also represent financial rewards for others. It could be recognition that appeals to some of the MEAMS. The goal or vision has to be a noble reason or purpose in order for the MEAMS to rally around it.

THE RIGHT MEAMS: You need to have the right kind of people to create the right kind of TEAM. If you have MEAMS that do not care about anything other than themselves, the road to creating a TEAM is going to be arduous. A key tip is to find the influential MEAMS that you can partner with to achieve the goal. Great TEAMS are made up of small groups of MEAMS. A MEAMS circle of influence is more likely to rally around their pod.

CONSTANT REINFORCEMENT: The MEAMS need constant reinforcement of the goals or vision. This is the glue that holds the TEAM together. Make sure you are communicating the goals or vision when it is fit to do so. Do not bastardize this process because then it can become annoying. Find new ways to communicate or explain the benefits so they can stay focused.

UNDERSTAND THERE WILL BE ROADBLOCKS: These roadblocks can actually become rally cries for your TEAM. Find a way to convert a roadblock into a motivational opportunity. Be on the lookout for these roadblocks. Every dedicated TEAM will face them. If not removed, diverted or communicated, the roadblock can dismantle your TEAM back into MEAMS. Think of a train. The entire train can derail if one car hits a roadblock. That can cost in time, income and resources.

CELEBRATE THE BIG AND SMALL WINS: In order to protect or maintain the TEAM, make sure you are celebrating small victories along the way. During the celebration, you can use these experience to remind people of the bigger goal. As a TEAM, determine what you will do to celebrate this goal. Pick the time, place and what you will do to celebrate. The more descriptive you can be the better. Then find little trinkets or rewards that you can use to recognize productivity or performance. When you do win, make sure you celebrate. If you do not, kiss the TEAM goodbye.

Creating a TEAM from MEAMS can be incredibly exhausting or extremely rewarding. If you do it wrong, it will make you want to pull your hair out. When it is done right, it is one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.

Win together today as a TEAM and you will walk as a TEAM for a lifetime.

Do not forget the true meaning of TEAM: Together Everyone Achieve More