In our individualistic culture, we often lose sight of the value of the collective. Entrepreneurs are often so busy worrying about their individual success that they forget about the wider picture.
This isn’t to blame anyone for their actions. Focusing on one’s self-interest is perfectly natural. It’s just that we often miss out on the knowledge that succeeding in any enterprise is a team sport.
This post takes a look at some of the reasons why business is a team sport. By the end of it, you should have a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur and why it’s such a good idea to constantly lean on others’ expertise and advice.
What you can expect in this article:
It Requires A Diverse Skill Set
First and foremost, business is a team sport because it requires a diverse skill set. It requires individuals with a spectrum of interests and specialities. Hardly any firms become successful relying on the talents of just one or two people. Creative and inventive geniuses always require a rank and file to simply get stuff done.
That’s why firms like Beyond Law always recommend partnering with businesses. Having experts you can call on is essential when dealing with technical, challenging or legal matters. Firms shouldn’t operate in isolation, believing they need to do everything in-house.
It Fosters A Culture Of Learning And Growth
Business is also a team sport because it fosters a culture of learning and growth. People don’t arrive in the morning, go to their desks, tap away at the computer, and then leave without talking to anyone. Instead, they interact with others and look for ways to improve their skills over time, allowing them to become more valuable to the company.
Learning is, for most people, a team sport. It requires interacting with others and discovering more about the world. It’s about finding your blind spots or areas requiring improvement and working on them until a satisfactory conclusion is reached.
For many people, working as part of a large team can improve motivation and make them more committed to their job. When they feel like an integral part of a team, it helps them form firmer identities and makes it easier to get on with others.
It Enhances Resilience And Adaptability
Another reason why business is a team sport is that it enhances resilience and adaptability. People who work as part of a larger group are more likely to feel optimistic about the future and be able to adapt to changes in the economy.
For example, when people are alone, they may react negatively or passively to situations they feel are outside of their control. However, working in a functional team makes it easier to get out of a rut. People can pool their resources and brainstorm solutions, helping them implement actions more efficiently. It also makes it easier to express gratitude because there is someone there to say thank you to.
In summary, business has a lot in common with team sports. Working with others is essential for leveraging ideas and perspectives, and feeling like a part of a tight-knit community.