One is too small a number
ByA Chinese proverb states, “Behind an able man there are always other able men.” The truth is that teamwork is at the heart of great achievement. The question isn’t whether teams have value. The question is whether we acknowledge that fact and become better team players. That’s why I assert that one is too small a number to achieve greatness. You cannot do anything of real value alone.
I challenge you to think of one act of genuine significance in the history of humankind that was performed by a lone human being. No matter what you name, you will find that a team of people was involved. That is why former US President Lyndon Johnson said, “There are no problems we cannot solve together, and very few that we can solve by ourselves.”
C. Gene Wilkes, in his book, Jesus on Leadership, observed that the power of teams not only is evident in today’s modern business world, but it also has a deep history that is evident even in biblical times.
Wilkes asserts:
- Teams involve more people, thus affording more resources, ideas, and energy than would an individual.
- Teams maximize a leader’s potential and minimize her weaknesses. Strengths and weaknesses are more exposed in individuals.
- Teams provide multiple perspectives on how to meet a need or reach a goal, thus devising several alternatives for each situation. Individual insight is seldom as broad and deep as a group’s when it takes on a problem.
- Teams share the credit for victories and the blame for losses. This fosters genuine humility and authentic community. Individuals take credit and blame alone. This fosters pride and sometimes a sense of failure.
- Teams keep leaders accountable for the goal. Individuals connected to no one can change the goal without accountability.
- Teams can simply do more than an individual.
If you want to reach your potential or strive for the seemingly impossible – such as communicating your message 2000 years after you’re gone – you need to become a team player. It may be a cliche, but it is nonetheless true: Individuals play the game, but teams win championships.
from Teamwork 101
Hi Mr. Maxwell
Been studying all your fantastic books and what stands out for me the most is the fact that you are truly a magnificent example of what is possible in this life!!
Hi. John I can see the success when we win people. thanks for your books.
Great message, John! I have always believed in the power of teams.
Proud to be a member of the John Maxwell Team as well.
John,
The 3 Dog Night, a rock group from the ’70′s echoed your sentiment in a song title: One is the Loneliest Number.
My first thought when I read this was that Nesus did his work alone, but that wasn’t true; His disciples had to spread the Good News, or it would have been “The Great Secret.”
After seeing my post, I realize it should read “Forgotten Secret.”
John what a great message and powerful reminder for us all!
Hi John,
Excellent post on the value of teams. That’s a great quote too. Do you ever wonder why so many people don’t act like team players when it seems so clear that teams win the championships?
Thanks,
Chris
John,
What a powerful message.. Although we “know” we count on our team, it seems to sometimes sit in the back of our minds how important teamwork really is. What a great reminder on how much we truly do rely on each and every part of our team- as our team relies on us. Thank you- once again- for your words of inspiration!! Be blessed…
Rachael with Lloyd Pro Group Insurance
Hi Mr Maxwell i am a great team player, but what if u work on a team if other individuals does not want to put in some efford in the team, but however what a great post.
John , thanks for this valuable reminder! Sometimes I becomes very overwhelmed with challenges that I tend to forget to acknowledge the valuable contribution each role player contributes within the structures of our school as organization! Thanks for keeping me on my “toes”! Your communication is much appreciated! May God continue to BLESS your work
Hi John,
Indeed one is not small a number. your weekly post give insights and help develop a better team player and leader in me.
Thank you
I LOVE YOU SIR. YOU ARE VERY RIGHT
You are so right John, that every great achievement, victory or movement involves a team. One person ultimately can’t do that much. However, every one of these starts with ONE person, with a passion and commitment to their cause. Thank you for your work in helping to mature them, so they are prepared to take their place as leaders!
Much Love,
Leelo
Teams create a dynamic collective genius useful in problem solving and idea generation. It is an important task of the leader to cultivate such pockets of genius and to tap into the collective resources the members of a team contribute. I therefore could not agree more with your post on the value of teams.