Systems Leadership, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 19 Creating High-Performance Teams

 

 

Working Together

There is a mountain of literature about the importance of teamwork. The most obvious examples come from the world of sport where individuals interviewed in the media seem compelled to stress the importance of the team above individual achievement or success (except, perhaps, when negotiating their contracts). Similarly motivational posters inform us that ‘There is no i in Team’ or the best performances come from a ‘star team rather than a team of stars’.

While the statements expressed are admirable, they are simplistic; exhortation does not replace explanation. We regard the apparent conflict between team and individual as a false dichotomy. Of course individuals have needs ...