Specialization is the basis of society. The arrow maker and the skinner were the first artisans who developed skills and mastery in their specialty.
People had to be organized in groups for the hunting of bigger animals since a team effort had a greater chance of success. When the hunt meant the difference between survival or starvation motivation was easy and everyone did their part.
‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’ Helen Keller
Unfortunately today, with all the basic needs met, people don’t always pull their weight when working in a group.
Very often the work is sub-optimized if the output of the whole team is measured and not each individual.
Teams go through cycles in their productivity. Usually there is an upward curve as people get to know and trust each other, learning how to work together.
Next is a plateau where everyone is doing their best.
This is normally followed by a downward curve as a consequence of egos. For example lack of recognition or envy of another persons’ recognition lead to less effort being made or even sabotage.
This downward curve can also be caused by management expecting too much. Members of the team become over stressed. Tempers become frayed and cooperation deteriorates.
When a team is winning there is no shortage of willing team members. As soon as things become difficult “every man for himself” becomes the way people start to react.
Suddenly the team is dysfunctional, with low motivation.
This can only be reversed by strong leadership or team building training.
You need to think what teams you are on and really take an active part on those teams, not just go along with the tide or be an observer.
Every team member should contribute to the best of the ability so that magic happens as it always does in a well oiled team where members get satisfaction from their work and the results of the team’s work are far greater than the sum of its parts.
