Why Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Tips to Make It Happen

 2 weeks ago , our geek guys and girls in the office went out for some bowling. The trip to the bowling hall may or may not have been spontaneous, but it sure was the perfect way to cap a busy week. Laughs were shared, balls were thrown, moves were shown. I won’t dwell on the details – what happens at the bowling alley stays at the bowling alley. But I think it’s safe to state that people had a good time.
That little trip obviously wasn’t some official corporate affair or some HR event. It was just an old game, a casual outing. But it was a great way to strengthen our bond as a team.


People make a business. And not just people – it should be a group of people working together for a single main mission. If you want to grow your venture, you’ve got to build a great team. You need to make teamwork work for you.
But the hard science and art of managing people is something not all business owners are equipped to do. That’s why many simply opt (smartly, I say) to outsource or get the services of an agency. So whether you’re managing a tribe of 200 or a band of 25 like me, you might want to get a few tips from these inspiring quotes on the power of teams: 

Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships. ~Michael Jordan


Encourage your team to work with intelligence. Cooperation and collaboration doesn’t mean succumbing to groupthink – far from it, actually. An effective team is one that empowers each individual to accept responsibilities and get the job done out of their own skills, willingness and determination. Teach your team to work independently, but in unison with one another. 
Strategy is not a solo sport, even if you’re the CEO. ~Max McKeown
As a business leader, you have the opportunity and responsibility to surround yourself with people who are better than you. Don’t hold back from getting their input. Communicate well, and do it frequently – experts at Harvard say 1 dozen communication messages per working hour is the optimum rate for high-performing teams. Talk and listen. Work on your communication skills because science shows that to be successful, how you communicate is as important as the combination of all other factors (skills, personality, intelligence, etc.).


Time for a coffee - and to watch our latest advertising campaign on the local screens.

 No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it. ~H.E. Luccock
Steve Jobs has a more contemporary version of this, saying his model for business is the Beatles because, ”They balanced each other, and the total was greater than the sum of the parts.” Playing music accurately describes the task of building a business. You want to get the best musicians for the piece. You need to define the role of each one. And you want to enable them to do the best that they can, through training and practice.  

Teamwork is essential — it allows you to blame someone else. ~Anonymous

Now that’s a joke – but it’s a serious reminder as well. Humour is valued highly by great teams. The ability to find cheer in failure and the courage to laugh with each other creates an emotional connection that will see you through the toughest times. Be serious about team goals, and be solemn about doing great work. But don’t ever forget to have fun Im one of the biggest jokers in the office, done well it works.

So here’s a toast to our teams! I invite you to post your cheers and love to your team in the comments below.