新世纪大学英语综合教程2课(1).docx
新世纪大学英语综合教程2课 What Does Teamwork Really Mean? Sharon Saw 1) In many job interviews, a common question is whether the interviewee is a "team player". More often than not(unless the interviewee is particularly stupid, or maybe particularly honest but doesn't want the job), he or she will say "yes". But what does being a team player really mean? 2) On the most basic level, a team player is someone who can work within a group of people. This group is a number of people greater than one. Even if there are only two people in the group, they can be called a "team". Therefore it is an essential requirement of any employment that any potential employee is a team player. 3) On a deeper level, a team player is someone who can play a role in the team, to achieve and support the goals set and agreed upon by the team. The simplestanalogy to the corporate team would be a sports team. There are two main aims of the football team. One is to score goals and the other is to prevent the opposition team from scoring. In football, there are eleven players per side, and almost the same number of players in reserve. There are also other vital members of the team in the background, such as the coach, the doctor, etc. 4) Every member of the team has a very specific role - as a captain, goalkeeper, striker, midfielder or defender. Every member of the team is vital to the success of the team. If there is one player missing, the team is handicapped. If one player does not perform to the best of his or her ability, the team is handicapped. 5) The captain is there to give direction to the team, in strategy, motivation and inspiration. But he or she also has to play as part of the team. Egos do not play any part in teamwork. If one's ego gets in the way, such as if one player wants to score a goal and be a hero, he or she may take rash actions instead of maybe letting another person score or helping to create the opportunity to score. 6) Similarly in the corporate world, each company has its clearly defined goals. Usually these are not as easily specified as in a football match. And it is the job of every employee to ensure that these goals are met. Every member of the corporate team should have specific roles and responsibilities in view of achieving these goals. 7) There can only be one captain of the company, and he or she should be responsible for giving leadership and guidance to the team members. The leader should alsocontinuously communicate the overall business strategy, as well as providing motivation and inspiration to the team. The leader has to have the loyalty of the team. If the team is not loyal or has no respect for the leader, the members of the team will not listen to the captain and the objectives of the company would not be achieved. 8) In every action of the team, the objectives of the company, and / or, business strategy, MUST be first and foremost. The success of the team relies completely on every member of the team carrying out their roles and responsibilities in line with the direction of the leader. There has to be a "oneness" of the corporate culture. There is no room in the company for anyone who does not share the same corporate goals or objectives. 9) Being a team player does not mean that you do not have any ideas of your own. It does not mean you should always agree with the rest of the team. It does not mean that you should merely follow the herd. There are times when your vision may differ from the vision of the company, the leader or the rest of the team. It may be a valid vision and if you believe in it strongly enough, you should share it with the rest of the team. Your idea may complement the corporate objectives and goals. Or it may not. If the leader is a competent one, he or she will assess it on itsmerits and not let ego get in the way. However, should the team not agree with your vision, don't take it personally. 10) They may find the idea inappropriate, not YOU personally. Don't take it as a sign of personal rejection. A good leader should be able to communicate this to a team member, but if he or she doesn't, and it turns out as appearing to be a rebuff, don't lose heart. If the team found YOU inappropriate, you would be the first to know. If your leader or team members see that you can handle rejection of your ideas in a mature manner, it is only to your own credit. 11) Don't be afraid to offer new ideas even seemingly crazy ones. Everyone in the team should feel free to offer ideas and not worry about them being dismissed. Usually when ideas are not taken up, people may take it as a personal rejection. Don't. Just accept it, and move on. There is work to be done. 12) The pleasure of working in an environment where every member of the team is a team player is unparalleled. If you are not enjoying your working environment, chances are high thatyour team is also not working well. Ask yourself this: 13) Are you a team player? 14) Are your own objectives in line with those of the team? 15) Are your team objectives in line with those of the company? If not, why not?
