In a desperate attempt to climb the ladder of success
many men and women will happily kick and trample on the heads of those beneath
them. Sadly, cutthroat competition is simply the way the world is. Some
people fall into the trap of striving for success at any price. Others just
give up and depend on the system to take care of them as they live off the
labors of others. Both perspectives are way out of balance.
People in organizations must work together. Therefore
managers and employees have to intentionally develop ways to foster
collaboration, trust, personal relationships, fun, and support. As our working
environment becomes increasingly more competitive year after year, challenges
for employees and managers will be to cultivate and nurture these personal
relationships. Fostering friendships takes proactive effort.
Teams & Collaboration
In the fourth chapter of the Book of Ecclesiastes we are
given some powerful words of wisdom: “Two are better than one, because
they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can
help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him
up! ...Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
“People
can play above their level of talent or below it,
depending
on the support around them.
Success
is talent + team.”
Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Professor
Harvard Business School
Properly managed, teamwork maximizes strengths, bringing
out the best in each team member. Of the many paths to success, none can
be walked alone. A support network is crucial both at and outside work—and
members of that network must get their needs met too. In pursuit of rich
professional and personal lives, men and women will surely continue to face
tough decisions about where to concentrate their efforts.
Culture is crucial
– and it begins with you.
