Teamwork And Its Worth
Brother Felmar Serreno: While there is no “I” in team, some say there is an “m-e.” On the other hand, many believe there is strength in numbers. But, are numbers enough? Join us today in this episode of the podcast version of God’s Message magazine, as we take a look at “Teamwork and Its Worth.”
Teamwork is essential in organizations, big and small—from business corporations and government institutions to society’s basic unit, the family, and at its core, marriage. Its coinage and use in the study of labor and management is placed in the early years of the 20th century, thus, teamwork is actually a fairly new term. Nevertheless, the concept of teamwork has been in existence and practice long before, as can be gleaned in historical and even biblical accounts.
Many experts and thought leaders have formulated their principles and ideas about teamwork in various settings. Emphasis has been laid on the value of team building in companies and agencies in both the private and public sectors. Instilling “team spirit” in the workforce is an ideal that leaders of organizations put into practice.
The Bible, proven useful for the instruction and motivation of people to reach their fullest potential, contains teachings about unity and brotherhood, which may also provide a framework for effective teamwork as applied in various settings.
No ‘I’ in teamwork
Brother Felmar: A basic rule in teamworking is to acknowledge that while one person working alone may produce the desired outcome, two and more people working together as one can certainly yield greater results. The Bible likewise teaches:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. … Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
[Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12 New International Version 2011]
Brother Felmar: Indeed, an endeavor becomes easier and promises better returns when a team of two or more are working together harmoniously and synergistically rather than just one individual working solo. Amid things like challenges and threats, having a well-functioning team behind you helps ensure success, for in case one falls, the others can help him up. A team can be likened to a cord—the more strands it has, the more it cannot be quickly broken.
Together, Everyone Achieves More
Brother Felmar: There is strength in numbers only when everyone works together, not against one another. In searching for the best model of teamwork and unity, one need not look far as there is much to learn from the human body itself. A single body is made up of many different parts, each having its own function or purpose—feet for walking, hands for working, eyes for seeing, ears for hearing, etc. (I Corinthians 12:12, 15-17 Good News Bible).
Every part matters to the welfare of the whole body, for it is when “each part of the body is joined to the others by the ligaments and as each part functions properly / works as it should, a person’s body grows stronger” (Ephesians 4:16 Translation for Translators).
Likewise, for a team of people to achieve good results, the team members should fulfill their respective tasks, each of them working effectively as he or she should. One’s function may seem small compared to another’s but when put together, contributes to a great output.
One for all, all for one
Brother Felmar: A key aspect of successful teamwork is cooperation. But there can be no cooperation in a team if its ...
