We hear time and again how employers are looking for ‘solid team players’. Why is that so important? What makes that such a key competency? What is it anyway?
Well, for one, it generally means that the person can work well with others – ‘gets along well in the sand box’ so to speak. I’ve always been a big believer that more can be accomplished with a high-performing, supportive team than with just one high performing individual. ‘The sum of the parts is greater than the parts themselves’ if you will.
Unfortunately, much of what we learn about teams we learn in school. Perhaps in grade school we all got along to an extent and played well together (although I do remember that one kid who tried to take my blocks away in kindergarten!!). However, as we progressed in school, most of us dreaded team projects. Indeed, in the classes I teach at George Brown College here in Toronto, if I ask if anyone is keen for a group project, they all respond with a resounding NO! When we do mock interviews, inevitably, the most awful experience most of these students have faced is a poor performing, dysfunctional team.
Why is that? Why are only a few people doing the work and so many of the team members just coasting? Wouldn’t it be great if everyone was keen? If everyone knew at the start of a team project what each other’s strengths and weaknesses were and doled out responsibilities that way? Sounds easy no? But who is teaching these students that is the way to get things done?
But I’m getting off my point. My point is this – when you see teamwork in action, it’s a thing of beauty. Quick, what kinds of teams come to mind when you think of teamwork? For me, it’s sports. And I usually look for candidates who have participated in team sports. They don’t have to be captain; participating is enough for me.
And there was no greater example of true team effort than at last night’s Maple Leafs Game when rookie Mason Raymond took a pass from Phil Kessel and shot it toward the empty net. Kessel was there but he did not touch it. How easy it would have been for him to help guide it in and therefore take the credit for the goal. But he didn’t. He just ensured it went in but unselfishly let Raymond get the goal. The announcers went crazy and called it the most unselfish act you’ll see. I agree.
True teamwork in action. It works! Watch it here http://video.mapleleafs.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=802&id=460364&lang=en
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