Five Ideas to Consider About Teamwork

August 15, 2022

Good morning!

One and one-half inches (1.55″) of rain in our yard this past Friday, much needed, much appreciated.

If someone says to you, “You’re one in a million!” is it a compliment or a slam?

Do the math.

You are one among approximately 8,000 humans; good or bad?

It’s official!  Even Ferrari is getting onboard the electric vehicle band wagon.

From four (4 – literally four — out of 8,400) electric cars sold in the current year – to 40% (3,360) of its total volume by the year 2030.  (Sylvers)

Someone is probably tracking these data:  Compared to fifty years ago when there were maybe three or four options for what to watch on television at any point in time, what is the total number of options today if a hypothetical person were to have access to all of them, notwithstanding cost, in a typical urban area of the United States?

• What is your opinion of Sergei Rachmaninoff?
  • Does it differ from your opinion of Pyotor Tchaikowsky — and if so, why?
  • It is sometimes said, “Only Rachmaninoff could play Rachmaninoff.”  Agree?  Disagree?
• Most of us probably don’t invest much time thinking about the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
  • We’re told it is drying-up fast… and that the climate and environmental consequences of that event will be considerable.
  • And speaking of lakes drying up fast… how about all those bodies they’re finding in Lake Meade?!
• As the tectonic plates of society seemingly shift and collide faster and faster, and with arguably greater consequence…
  • … we now learn a top-quality Executive Assistant can command and receive compensation well into six figures.
  • Probably long overdue — but it’s a major shift (earthquake) of tectonic plates, isn’t it?!

• There are ten (10) specific jobs enumerated for the President of the United States:
  • Cannot serve until or unless s/he takes the Oath of Office which the authors thoughtfully provided verbatim in the 1787 Constitution of the United States;
  • Must give a 100% faithful effort;
  • Must preserve the 1787 Constitution of the United States, as amended;
  • Must protect the 1787 Constitution of the United States, as amended from time to time;
  • Must defend the 1787 Constitution of the United States, as amended;
  • Must serve as Commander-in-Chief of the country’s military forces, including State militias (National Guards) if/ when they serve a national mission;
    • (But only Congress can declare war and only Congress can provide the resources to conduct war or sustain a peacetime military presence.)
  • With the advice and consent of the United States Senate, appoints federal judges, department heads, and various high-ranking officials in the Executive branch;
    • (Congress has the power to decide WHO falls into these categories.)
  • Must conduct foreign affairs, including nominating ambassadors and recommending treaties for the consideration of the United States Senate;
  • Must from time to time provide Congress with opinions and recommendations regarding what is best for the country;
  • S/He may on rare occasions command Congress to be in session — even if it doesn’t want to be — and determine whether/ if/ when it may adjourn.
• Betcha wouldn’t guess this one:  The best paid CEOs deliver the best results — in several categories (Wartzman, Tang)
  • There IS a direct correlation — apparently.
  • Of top-level CEOs, the more you’re paid the better is your overall effectiveness, customer satisfaction, employee engagement, innovation, financial strength — and even social responsibility.
  • So, is there a logical end point, or is it infinite?

Five Ideas to Consider About Teamwork

• Thank you to my good friend and faithful reader, Tom from Vermont, who introduced me to John Eades.
  • John regularly provides an excellent summary of critically important information related to the skills of leadership.
    • Here are five (5) ideas to consider about teamwork:  (Eades)
    • Teamwork is achieved when individuals buy into the group’s greater good over their self-interest;
    • The best team members bring their authentic selves and skills together to produce excellent outcomes for the group;
    • If leaders don’t define a shared goal that team members care about achieving, success won’t follow;
    • Just because team members are in meetings together, doesn’t mean they know or care about each other (Ouch!?  So true…);
    • It’s hard to inspire team members who aren’t growing.  Personal growth is the foundation of any successful professional.