Teamwork is a joint action by a group of individuals, in which each person subordinates there individual interests and opinions for the unity and efficiency of the group.
This does not mean that individuals are no longer important; however, it does mean that effective and efficient teamwork goes beyond any single individual.
The most effective teamwork is produced when all the individuals involved harmonize their contributions, take responsibility for there actions and work towards a common goal.
In order for teamwork to succeed, each person involved must be a team player. A team player is one who subordinates personal aspirations and works in a coordinated effort with all other members of a group, in striving for a common goal.
If the team or group fails, it is NOT the fault or responsibility of one individual, but rather a failed attempt by the entire group. After all, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
People who decide to not make a decision or refuse to act are simply afraid to fail. People who are afraid to fail are also afraid to take chances. However, optimal solutions to difficult problems almost always require taking a chance.
People who care the most always want the best and typically come up with the most suggestions to team problems. It is then up to the team to research and act upon those suggestions. One member of a team cannot force other members to perform as a unit.
When things need to be improved, team players want to see those improvements. People who are self centered and do not care about the success of the team will shoot down, criticize, take no action and blame other team members for things not going the correct way.
A corollary is that people, who care the most, will find other options for better more fulfilling and productive environments; if all of there efforts are pushed aside by those who choose to do nothing. So, they will go elsewhere to locate a better team environment.
An organization, group or team which does not perform as a unit, will lose its best people first.
