Leadership: If you want teamwork - Pay for teamwork!

I'm often asked what is the "secret" to great teamwork. While there are many variables, the single greatest and overriding element I have found to great teamwork is simple: if you want team work...pay for team-work!

My definition of teamwork is simple: to be a positive influence toward the common good. The common good by default crosses departmental boundaries, reaches beyond silo-building into business building. (FYI - this is also my definition for leadership, for what is leadership but to build productive teams for the common good).

It is ridiculous to think that we can generate "teamwork" when different departments are recognized and rewarded for different things. When a sales staff is rewarded for top-line sales volume but a production manager is rewarded for efficienc, quality, and cost control, why should a salesman really care about the impact of increased sales on the production process?

The answer, therefore, is to recognize and pay people from a common good. For example, if both the sales team and the production team were bonused on overall customer satisfaction scores, they are far more likely to work together to ensure that sales does not overreach production quality.

So leaders, what say you?

Leadership: Wind Chaser

This morning while reflecting on the wisdom of King Solomon in his book entitled Ecclesiastes, I was struck by his many mentions "chasing the wind." The context: that much of what we do - without honoring God - is like chasing the wind.

Ever been in a situation that you felt as if you are a "Wind Chaser?" Ever find yourself simply going wherever your current projects, employees, or customers are pushing you? Ever look back on you day or week or even year and wonder what you really achieved?

Lesson learned: without a solid, powerful purpose for your business (that is, a compelling reason to exist) and your role (to envision, engage, and execute), you will find yourself becoming a "Wind Chaser", perpetually busy but unproductive.