We achieve through other people. The traditional HOW for this prime attribute of business teams is under threat, as organisations decide on their hybrid work-mix. Whatever decisions are made regarding the mix, they all hinge on the requirement and necessity for a productive team ethos.

No individual is an island and some may find themselves feeling isolated.

Have we been taking the inherent benefits of the physical team presence for granted?

Perhaps we should begin by reminding ourselves of the privilege in being the member of a team. It offers such a rich platform to learning and allows one to hone an array of essential life skills. We should all belong, and commit, to at least one team.

Character building opportunities as well as physical, social and mental health benefits reside within teams. These latent benefits are available for members to discover, and to realise how profound a team offering can be in satisfying needs, providing there is a hunger to learn.

The three actively competing components for teams pursuing a common purpose, as depicted in the diagram above, are the individual, the team and the task itself.

A core-centric ‘sweet spot’ lies at the centre of the three intersecting circles and represents where, hypothetically, a team members focus should be. All for one and one for all. However, components receiving equal attention rarely happens as the most pressing needs for each member will determine the degree to which their overplay occurs.

The following are an immediate check on your teaming contribution:

Task skills – are you confidently and unreservedly contributing your ‘thumbprint’ towards the task?

Team – are you providing support to other members who may require your complimentary skills?

Individual – in the light of awareness, are your decisions unselfish?

Do you strive for core-centricity and what is your attitude towards your current teaming prowess?

Upbeat and inspired? Pay it forward.

Feeling deflated or uninspired? Make the necessary changes before they change you.

I am the author of Leading Self and Others (how to make a difference where you are with what you’ve got) and Teaming with ideas (life lessons in teams- from business, sport and parkrun). You can contact me here.