Most successes are attributed to individuals, since they are the face of the team. However, the individual may have not been successful if a support team did not do what it was supposed to do.
Michael Schumacher was the F1 champ consecutively for many years - but there was his support team in the pit stops; Barrack Obama was elected the US President, but a team was working for him in the background day and night.
To achieve success, teamwork is critical. You will find ample examples in everyday life - from childbirth where a team of doctors and nurses deliver the baby, to parents and teachers for students' education and colleagues and bosses at workplace.
For achieving corporate and individual goals, teamwork is required. Each and every person in the team needs to have his role defined. Every one cannot do everything. Give individuals adequate responsibility, with the necessary authority. Every person needs to work towards a common goal. In an orchestra, to play the tune right, every musician has to play the instrument properly.
Having the right team is important. David Lim, the man who led two successful missions from Singapore to Mount Everest, defines them as five pillars of a successful team - commitment, competence, compatibility, communication and courage.
Commitment from every individual in the team is important. Each and every one has to give 100 per cent to achieve the goal. This is at every stage from planning to execution to follow up. Everyone has to work together in tandem, or team will be dragged down. Imagine at the pit stop in a F1 race, one mechanic changes the wheel slowly.
Competence of every individual has to be up to the mark. If someone is weak, train him up, provide extra coaching, but ensure all are up to speed.
However, the individual should have the basic skills, have the right attitude to absorb the training and be willing to come up to that level. This will need to be taken care of at the selection stage itself. A person who has never changed a flat tyre cannot become a pit stop team member!
Compatibility among team members is important. They need to be willing to be to work with each other. Nationality, race, religion, colour do not matter. It is the willingness to work together to achieve the common goal. Individual politics need to be left behind. An expert guitarist/pianist cannot play his solo tune in an orchestra.
Communication among the team in critical. If the team leader says something, it needs to be heeded. Insubordination should not be tolerated. If one does not agree, speak up, give the point of view.
In the team's interest, it may be accepted. But show a willingness to listen and exchange thoughts. Imagine if the same F1 driver's communication link is broken off from his pit stop team.
Courage is important, for every individual in the team to weather the unforeseen storms and obstacles that may occur.
A courageous team snatches victory from the jaws of defeat!
A strong and cohesive team is critical for success. A weak link can break the chain.
Sanjiv Anand is managing director and Manish Kotwala is director of Cedar Management Consulting International LLC