Teamwork is a Lot Different than a Team that Works
8/21/2007
The Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of teamwork is “work done by several associates with each doing a part but all subordinating personal prominence to the efficiency of the whole”. Whew, that is a mouth full! Stated another way, “teamwork is cooperative work done by a team”. This is the definition that seems to fit most days at DCP. There is awareness that while teamwork is good, a team that works is greater.
Teamwork is a lot different than a team that works. Teamwork is one word. It is a compound word, two words combined to create a new meaning. Teamwork implies togetherness and oneness. It makes one think the whole is truly greater than the parts.
Teamwork creates excitement and appeals to the very human, social side of all of us. Teamwork helps us recognize that we are not in this thing alone.
Most people like the concept of ‘teamwork’. However, most people would also prefer a team that works. Why?
A team that works involves personal sacrifice and not always getting the individual attention one wants. It may mean putting some team or Company need ahead of a personal need. A team that works may also mean doing more than a fair share of some task or function. It may mean that when the plate is full, a platter is needed. Ultimately it means that the job gets done.
The DCP workforce, from the carpet of the front office to the cement of the plant floor, demonstrates its preference for a team that works versus teamwork.
Manufacturing is a blend of panic and crisis management one minute and stable, predictable processes the next. That’s why it is so much fun! No two days are identical. This constant state of flux can cause challenges to appear unexpectedly unless strong systems and processes are in place to handle the ‘unknown of the day’. A key system needed in this environment is a strong team. A team that works is needed to make solid business decisions based on facts. A team that works is needed to sift through the nonsense to get to the business sense. That team is also needed to protect the highly valued customer. Questions such as “What does the end user expect from this product?” Or how about “What would make the end user smile with delight”? These are questions that a team that works asks. Our DCP team asks these types of questions but goes a step beyond and answers in their daily performance. Everyone pulls his or her share, even if sometimes the share is a lot larger than the other person. DCPer’s understand that when one wins, we all win. We are a team that works.
Michael Jordan said, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships”.
The Detroit Chassis team is about winning championships!
Patricia Carson, Sr. Manager - Operations
Contact: Linda Ratliff, 313-571-2100 x 506, lratliff@detroitchassis.com