“Coming together is a beginning.  Keeping together is progress.  Working together is success.” ~Henry Ford

“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” ~ Michael Jordan

“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.  The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives.  It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” ~Dale Carnegie

“Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” ~Kenyan proverb

Today, I am thankful for all the sticks in my bundles and teamwork is on my mind.  There are a couple things in my life right now that are reinforcing the importance of a strong team.  One is work, the other is personal.  From a work standpoint, you may know that I am still relatively new in my position at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  And, while there are many things there that continue to impress me, the teamwork here really stands out.  Never before have I felt such a strong pull of a team.  Sure, we all hear the lip service about being on a team, but have you ever REALLY experienced it?  I’m not sure I have.

Until now.

What are the elements I view as critical to being a team?

• Mission- Working with a group of people who have clear mission and who actively keep each other on track by ensuring we provide service that clearly links to the mission
• Communication-  Open lines of communication and knowing your opinion will be heard
• Respect-  Acknowledging the experiences of individual members and embracing them

The other team I am on is personal….my HRevolution 2010 team.  Working with Ben Eubanks, Jason Seiden, Crystal Peterson, Steve Boese, Mark Stelzner, and Joan Ginsberg is wonderful.  Each of us volunteers our time to work together toward the common mission of pulling together an event for you~ the HR and recruiting professionals we want to interact with.  If you’re reading this blog, HRevolution is for YOU.

And, much like a work team or athletic team, the HRevolution team is focused.  We’ve got our goal, we communicate every day, and we have the utmost respect for each other and the strengths and abilities each individual brings to the table.  It’s a great feeling to be part of that.  And, we want YOU to be part of that.  Be sure to check out the HRevolution 2010 registration site and register for the event on May 7- 8, 2010.  Tickets are going fast.  Also, if your company is interested in sponsoring HRevolution 2010, let me know via e-mail at trisham89@hotmail.com.

So tell me, are you part of a great team?  Who are the “sticks in your bundle”?  It can be work-related or personal.  Share your story, tell us how it works, inspire us in the comments.