Working as a Team
In organizations such as career colleges, we are all part of a unified team, it takes all departments within our organization to achieve the common goal of not only our company success but for our students success. Without all of us acting as a team our system and environment will fall apart and students will never reach the goals they have set for themselves, and we would not be able to help them see their vision and help them reach it.
Team work cn improve when every body on the team has the same values and morales of whats best
Teamwork has become an important part of the working culture and many businesses now look at teamwork skills when evaluating a person for employment.
We all need to work together as a team, and I just love the example of the geese. Why do birds fly in an inverted "V" formation?
TEAM WORK IS DREAM WORK
The good sense of the Goose: In the fall when you see geese heading south for the winter flying in the "V" formation, you might be interested in knowing what science has discovered about why they fly that way. It has been learned that as each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By flying in a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71% greater range than if each bird flew on its own.
PEOPLE WHO ARE A PART OF A TEAM AND SHARE A COMMON DIRECTION GET WHERE THEY ARE GOING QUICKER AND EASIER, BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING QUICKER AND EASIER AND BECAUSE THEY ARE TRAVELLING ON THE TRUST OF ONE ANOTHER.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to go through it alone and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the power of the flock.
If we have as much sense as a goose, we will share information with those who are headed the same way we are going. When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates back in the wing and another goose takes over. IT PAYS TO SHARE THE VISION AND TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep their speed.
The next time you see a formation of geese, remember ..................
IT IS A REWARD, A CHALLENGE AND A PRIVILEGE to be contributing to a TEAM!
Scientists have determined that the "V" -shaped formation that geese use when migrating serves two important purposes:
First, it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The birds take turns being in the front, falling back when they get tired. In this way, the geese can fly for a long time before they must stop for rest.
The second benefit to the "V" formation is that it is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Fighter pilots often use this formation for the same reason.
WORDS OF SUPPORT AND INSPIRATION HELP ENERGISE THOSE ON THE FRONT LINE, HELPING THEM TO KEEP FACE IN SPITE OF THE DAY-TO-DAY PRESSURES AND FATIGUE.
Finally, when a goose gets sick or is wounded by a gun shot and falls out, two geese fall out of the formation and follow the injured one down to help and protect him. They stay with him until he is either able to fly or until he is dead, and then they launch out with another formation to catch up with their group.
If we have the sense of a goose, we will stand by each other when things get rough.
(With grateful thanks to Dr John C. Maxwell - book "Developing the team around you")
Elizabeth,
As I was driving to work yesterday, there was a public service announcement about not hanging with negative people. Pacific Institute research show us that it takes 11 positive folks to make up for one negative person. Keep hanging with the positive folks.
Jeffrey Schillinger
I surround myself with good teammates. I used to try to get everyone to work in the team, but of course you'll have the rebels. I now will actively approach whoever shares the kitchen with me and come up with a game plan for cleaning, returns, demo prep, etc just so our jobs are easier since the stress levels are reduced.
all departments must have the same desire and be on the same page. a student must not ask and receive two different answers and attitudes. if one departments attitude is poor and student do not see the passion than they will assume that the other departments are faking and just care about the buisness of making money
Our staff and student body aren't very large so it is important to all of us to work closely with students and get to know them on a more personal level. Working at a career college gives us the chance to guide students to their goals and help them break into the industry they are interested in and every staff member along the way plays a significant role in the process.
Tyler,
Where in your organization is the strongest teamwork evident?
Jeffrey Schillinger
Teamwork is the most important tool to acheiving the common goal. Like the old saying, your only as strong as your weakest link. Teamwork needs to be the strogest link
Usually teamwork is what we teach, you want to be successful, you need to blend with the team and the team need to blend with you.
More than one opinion or feedback is always more helpful to become a team player because of the efforts from everyone.
Thanks
Lionel
I agree we all need to work as a team. Sometimes people forget that, but with team building exercises we can all be reminded of it.
on our campus, every department is paired in pods so each other can understand clearly what their responsibilities consist of
Diane,
Great post! Sometime department goals seem to conflict. Good schools work past this to serve each graduate, student or inquiry as effectively as possible without regard for department goals.
Jeffrey Schillinger
There always seems to be an issue of teamwork between the academics department and the admissions department. I have heard instructors say, "If they would enroll better students I could keep them in class". I have heard admissions say, "I get them in here and the instructors run them off". Both of these are untrue. The fact of the matter is that there is a lack of understanding for what the other department does on a daily basis. Cross-training is really important in building teamwork and a healthy respect for each other. Instructors should sit in on interviews with prospective students to hear what is being said and reps should sit in the classroom so that they know what happens once the student begins classes. This will develop a better understanding of and an appreciation for each other and build a culture of teamwork and respect.
Stacey,
Thank you for this post. Where are some areas in which teamwork could be improved?
Jeffrey Schillinger
