In 2001, John Maxwell wrote his book, "The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork." It is a magnificent book and one that made be a better coach and our teams better as well. We share a great deal with our team each from this book and every four years we assign this book to our team to read along with some worksheets to make them think about what they've read. Here is just a small portion of this outstanding book:As much as we admire solo achievement, the truth is that no lone individual has done anything of value. The belief that one person can do something great is a myth.
Albert Einstein once remarked, "Many times a day I realize how much my own outer and inner life is built upon the labors of my fellow men, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must expect myself in order to give in return as much as I have received."
A Chinese proverb states, "Behind an able man there are always other able men." The truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great achievement.
One is too small a number to achieve greatness.
"There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves."
-Lyndon Johnson-
It may be a cliche, but it is nonetheless true: Individuals play the game, but teams win championships.
WHY DO WE STAND ALONE?
1. EGO
Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie declared, "It marks a big step in your development when you come to realize that other people can help you do a better job than you could do alone."
2. INSECURITY
"The first method for estimate the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him."
-Niccolo Machiavelli-
"We should not only use all the brains we have, but all that we can borrow."
-Woodrow Wilson-
3. NAIVETE
Consultant John Ghegan keeps a sign on his desk that says, "If I had it do all over again, I'd get help."
4. TEMPERAMENT
"People have been known to achieve more as a result of working with others than against them."
-Dr. Allan Fromme-
From Chuck Swindoll's piece, "The Finishing Touch" --
"Nobody is a whole team...We need each other. You need someone and someone needs you. Isolated islands we're not. To make this thing called life work, we gotta lean and support. And relate and respond. Ange give and take. And confess and forgive. And reach out and embrace and rely. ..Since none of us is a whole, independent, self-sufficient, super-capable, all-powerful hotshot, let's quit acting like we are. Life's lonely enough without our playing that silly role. The game is over. Let's link up."
