Quotes about Teamwork

All great leaders are productive. However, it is possible to be a producer and not a leader. Personal success does not always translate into team success. Leadership is defined by what a person does with and for others. It is established by making the team better and more productive. It's measured by what the entire group accomplishes, not by the individual efforts of the person in charge. Good leadership is never based on what someone does by and for himself.

Most people's natural inclination is to judge themselves according to their best qualities while they measure others by their worst. As a result, they point to areas where their teammates need to grow. But the truth is that every person is responsible for his own growth first.

Everybody on a championship team doesn't get publicity, but everyone can say he's a champion.

A team is a group of people who may not be equal in experience, talent, or education but in commitment."

For a team to succeed, responsibility must go down deep into the organization, down to the roots. Getting that to happen requires a leader who will delegate responsibility and authority to the team. Stephen Covey remarked, "People and organizations don't grow much without delegation and completed staff work, because they are confined to the capacities of the boss and reflect both personal strengths and weaknesses." Good leaders seldom restrict their teams; they release them."

What can I say to get others involved around the table? How can I draw them in?

How does a person become productive? Find your strength and then find someone who needs your strength.

Teams always reflect their leaders. And never forget that good communication is never one-way. It should not be top-down or dictatorial. The best leaders listen, invite, and then encourage participation.

To get the best out of people, leaders must ask for the best from people.

Bad attitudes must be addressed. You can be sure that they will always cause dissension, resentment, combativeness, and division on a team.

Every human being has value, and every player on a team adds value to the team in some way.

You can't take the team to the next level when you haven't mastered the skills it takes to succeed on a personal level. It just doesn't happen.