The Biggest Lie About Teams!

A long time ago somebody noticed that there was no I in the word team and then proceeded to tell the world that, there being no I used in spelling team, there should therefore be no “I” in team. This was said to encourage teams to give up personal agendas and work for the good of all. I contend, however, that this is not such a good idea. I believe that teams need very powerful I’s! Such as “I take personal responsibility for the success or failure of the team!” When everyone on the team says this, the power of the team is multiplied, many times! Another powerful I is “I am here for the team. You can count on me!” In order to commit to a team’s success requires everyone to make these powerful I Statements.

I do understand that the idea behind “no I in team” was to minimize egos and make personal agendas take a back seat to the team agenda , but as good as that sounds, I believe it misses the boat. When egos are put in check, energy is diminished. If a personal agenda must be forgotten, incentives go out the window. It would be far better to learn how to harness those energizers for the good of the team. This means we have to learn how to communicate to our teammates in a language that they will understand. The “I” concept, used in the right way does not detract from the work of the team, it enhances it.

Making teams more effective is the dream of every leader. This can only be done if the leader recognizes the power of a healthy “I.” By using this notion, leaders can unleash amazing resources that might otherwise remain hidden. The self is not the enemy. Selfishness, however, can derail the best intentions of the best teams.