36. The relationship between teamwork and individual strength, energy, and
1 n `$ C3 x1 |commitment is complex; whether they operate in a complementary or antagonistic 5 R$ e$ {0 @0 L/ Z* _/ P5 A
manner depends on: (1) the goals toward which the traits are directed, (2) the degree of
- J6 t+ J8 { P" R* h) d& _emphasis on teamwork, and (3) the job of the individual within an organization.; P0 t0 S/ D$ v* U8 F5 a
A person's ability to work effectively in a team is not in consistent per se with ! j; _ J/ p$ O9 G- ~% j1 s
personal strength, energy, and commitment. If exercised in a self-serving manngr—for
: l* ]0 T( o `! o9 E7 O) }; Texample, through pilfering or back stabbing—these traits can operate against the - r5 t7 k" u, Q
organization. Conversely, if directed toward the firm's goals, these traits can motivate 6 a/ u9 J& K$ W' m1 L4 r) W
other team members, thereby advancing common goals. World War II generals Patton P5 v6 s2 @6 c2 b! t
and Rommel understood this point and knew how to bring out the best individual ; C3 y, n& P1 c9 N
qualities in their troops, while at the same time instilling a strong sense of team and
& s0 P1 d. W) s2 D; d9 ^% w4 ^4 dcommon purpose.
8 L" n' a- _0 ]: S+ y" Q/ S! m Nevertheless, over-emphasizing teamwork can be counterproductive for an * H7 G1 D- I" U
organization. A successful team requires both natural leaders and natural followers;
* z' h8 o @6 L) V Rotherwise, a team will accomplish little. Undue emphasis on teamwork may quell + ^; A8 {8 r# a# ?" P+ H
initiative among natural leaders, thereby thwarting team goals. Also, teamwork can be - g8 L2 B0 F9 |: }3 ~1 @" Y: C* `
overemphasized with a commissioned sales force of highly competitive and autonomic
: A2 R% q" ]' @) }& xindividuals. Overemphasis on teamwork here might stifle healthy competition, thereby
. c3 B1 C/ w$ T `; E8 x* }! Y5 ?defeating a firm's objectives. In other organizational areas, however, teamwork is
: o+ G2 h8 u6 n$ ucritical. For example, a product-development team must progress in lock-step fashion 4 V; w2 y& K- \6 E, v& R; g
toward common goals, such as meeting a rollout deadline.1 B% o! P- c( ~" O
In sum, individual strength, commitment, and energy can complement a strong - r' d# Q0 ~, U& q6 e
team approach; as long as individual autonomy is not undermined, all can operate in a
! u6 Z( q. j1 ^+ N% msynergistic manner to achieve an organization's goals. |