“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, it is my position at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.  The teamwork my colleagues demonstrate inspires me every day.   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 team.  Working with Steve Boese, Matt Stollak and Ben Eubanks 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 registration site and register for the event on October 2, 2011 in Las Vegas.  Tickets are going fast and who can pass up a conference for $150?   And this year you have two options.  Come one day for HRevolution OR stay on for the HR Technology Conference.  We’re partnering with them to bring you a great discount for both events.  

Registrants for HRevolution – Las Vegas will receive the largest discount code good for $600 off the onsite registration rate of $1,795 that can be applied to the HR Technology Conference registration. That’s the biggest discount available, so register for HRevolution today and we’ll send you your discount code for the HR Technology Conference!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the St. Louis 9th District Business Association luncheon honoring the police officers of the district.  It was a moving event for several reasons.  First, it was a way to see employees recognized for their efforts and that is always good in my book.  Second, it highlighted twelve stories of extreme bravery and service to the community by officers who had been in very dangerous situations and had successful results.  And last, it recognized an officer who had been killed in the line of duty last spring.  One special highlight of the luncheon was the keynote by Ozzie Smith.

Ozzie is one of the most loved St. Louis Cardinal baseball players of all time.  After starting his career with the Padres, Ozzie came to St. Louis in 1982 and helped the Cardinals win the World Series.  He’s won numerous awards including the Golden Glove Award, Silver Slugger, and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.  Having him share his feelings about living in St. Louis and his appreciation for the police officers was amazing.  The fun part was that he also took questions from the audience.  Several of the questions revolved around his thoughts of various teammates through the years and how chemistry affected them.  Ozzie responded:

“You spell chemistry W-I-N.”

This brings up an interesting question for me.  While I agree that good chemistry can certainly be critical in a team’s success, can’t you also have WINS without chemistry?  And, what about all the teams, both in sports and at work who may have great chemistry but have other barriers to their success?

What do you think?  Weigh in with your comments….

“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.