From time to time, we have partnered with very special and unique teams to assist them with team building and leadership. When we started do this, I came up with our 3 rules for teamwork. They have stood the test of time and I thought I'd share them here. These 3 suffice; make them a part of your character and your team will accomplish more than you thought possible. I have seen individuals close to quitting programs involving extreme physical adversity one minute because they were focusing on themselves. The next minute, they were carrying the entire team because they were focusing on others. Many of you know exactly what I am talking about. EXPAT'S RULES FOR TEAMWORK 1. Selfishness makes me weak. Therefore I will put my teammate above myself. When I am tired, I will encourage my teammate. When I am weak, I will carry my teammate. When I am down, I will lift up my teammate. When I focus on my teammate’s needs, I become strong and valuable. 2. Fear is the mind killer. Therefore we will focus on the task at hand so that our minds have no room for fear of what may come. We will conquer that task when it is time for that task. Until then, we will work together to conquer our current challenge. 3. Hardship makes us strong. Therefore I will work through adversity with my team. We will go through it together. I will not give up on my team.
Good question. I think at the heart of these rules is the concept that there is something greater than you, and you are serving that. If you are all alone, you can still mentally work FOR someone or something else. Example: In a survival situation, there have been many stories of people not giving up simply because they were determined to see their wife/husband/kid again. The essence is that they were focused on something outside themselves and that enabled them to tap into strength and endurance not necessarily known to exist. I don't necessarily buy into the narrative of "follow your heart" or "make yourself happy first". My experience is that humans are at their best when they are doing something in service for others. I firmly believe in rule #1. Selfish people are the weakest people I know.
Well it was a "team" that build Windows Operating System and caused all the problems in the world. Just remember that.
Your tone seems to suggest that that wasn't their intended mission. It may literally be one of the most successful teams ever.
In everything I have ever done that has been hard or challenging the the biggest difference between those who failed and those who succeeded was quite simple a lot of the time. Just do not quit/give up. It is quite amazing what you can do if you just hang in there. My 2c
Written like a true GRT individual. This mindset will carry one through a myriad of difficulties. When I can't, WE can. It's not about me, it's about you.
