"There are plenty of teams in every sport that have great players and never win titles. Most of the time, those players aren't willing to sacrifice for the greater good of the team. The funny thing is, in the end, their unwillingness to sacrifice only makes individual goals more difficult to achieve. One thing I believe to the fullest is that if you think and achieve as a team, the individual accolades will take care of themselves. Talent wins games but teamwork and intelligence win championships." Michael Jordan What is a team? According to the Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, a team is--A number of persons associated together in work or activity. What is teamwork? Work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole. "Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results." Unknown Teams come in all shapes and sizes. Parents working with teachers to help students achieve their potential are an example of a team. So is the individual employed by an organization, working together with their colleagues. The coach of your favorite team working with staff members and players forms another unique team. So what makes one team more successful than another? They have a mission: Successful organizations have a mission statement. What is a mission statement? A mission statement describes your organization/teams purpose. It captures the qualities that the team wants to develop, what the teams goals are, and how the team is going to get there. In other words, it is a road map. Winning teams set realistic, attainable goals. Once their goals (objectives) are reached they set new goals. Winners need to be challenged. There needs to be a team awareness and communication. Team members must be aware of what is happening around them as it relates to the teams overall game plan. That awareness involves a perception of how the individual is doing. For an athlete that might be how they are doing in class, on the court, and in their dealings with other people. Communication is a two way street. A team that communicates together is more likely to do the things necessary to be successful. Successful teams are disciplined teams. My main rule dealing with athletes is: Be where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing, when you are supposed to be doing it. They are committed. They are willing to do Whatever It Takes, (WIT), to help the team achieve their goals. Their commitment must be legal, moral, and ethical. Their individual goals are secondary to the goals of the team. Periodic review of team and individual performance. Athletes, as well as those who are part of a business organization need feedback. They need to be told what they are doing right, and what they need to work on to improve individual and team performance. They have a winning attitude. They believe in themselves, their teammates, and their mission. They don't allow negative "stinking thinking" to sidetrack them. They associate with other "winners". And they know that success leaves clues. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Unknown "Coming together is a beginning....keeping together is progress....working together is a success." John C. Maxwell Tom Hughes has been writing a motivational newsletter, Motivational Moments since April 2001. He has spoken to business organizations, civic organizations, college, and high school groups, faculty and staff workshops and sports teams. Tom also serves as National Program Director for the "Yes, I Can!" Basketball Camps and Clinics. His website is http://www.motivationnmore.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_B_Hughes Thomas B Hughes - EzineArticles Expert Author Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1693070