TEAMING UP TO SUCCEED - Chanukya's way

[Guest guest]

TEAMING UP TO SUCCEED - Radhakrishnan Pillai

 

 

Teaming up is better than working alone – is the key to success when it comes to

working on a mission or on a project.

 

Chanakya puts the same thought in the following verse,

 

" Let us two build a fort " (7.12.1)

 

Man is a social animal and requires the help of others to survive. From a

competitive mind set one should move to a compatibility mind set. Leaders should

develop the ability to work in teams and also inspire their teams to work

together. And this applies to all the facets of life, at work place, in a

competitive market and even at managing home affairs.

 

1. DISCUSS THE PROJECT BEFORE YOU START

 

Better to involve than just inform. If you are going to take up a new assignment

call your people and tell them about it. " What do you feel? Is there a better

way to do it? " The suggestions and opinions will help you to look at the project

from different angles. Sometimes the best ideas come from the bottom; even a

child's simple ideas can be highly beneficial.

 

2. SHOW THE DIRECTION BUT LET THEM WALK

 

As a team leader this is the most important role that you should play. Tell them

where to go and when to reach. Let them decide which route to take, which mode

of transport is better etc. Give them the freedom to do the work in their way.

Most leaders have a major problem in this regards, " …when I did it last time, I

did it this way, and you also should do it this way! There are better ways of

doing things. Try to adopt change.

 

3. DO NOT LOOSE FOCUS

 

Just by giving them the direction and freedom is not enough. As a leader one

should be closely watching the developments. Be around when the team requires

you. Be focused and help them to get refocused. A team should take regular stock

whether it is doing the right things or not. If you neglect this, you will

regret later because, you might have started to head the north and reached the

south. Keep looking at your compass.

 

4. ENJOY TOGETHER

 

The journey itself is the destination. Remember, happiness is not in `then and

there' but lies in `now and here'. Do not forget to enjoy the journey. Have fun

while working together. Share each others joys and sorrows. `Stress' comes from

not taking breaks and sharing burdens.

 

When you succeed – celebrate! In case you loose, get up again and move ahead. As

it goes, " In happiness and sorrow, in illness and health, in good moments and

sad – together we shall be " .