Teams
“The only thing that will redeem mankind is cooperation.” Bertrand Russell
This week’s conversation is about teamwork and whilst I am a sole practitioner, I do work within a team environment. This is true, both in working with my clients and within the business. The client and I are part of a team, and I also have a team professionally and personally who support and/or assist manage me and my business.
The client and I work together to solve issues that are impacting on their life or to learn how to adapt to the life that has been presented to them. I am part of their greater network and present ways to assist them in this period. Whilst I may only have one or two members of their team in the room, the others are present in different ways as we discuss how to proceed. The client also chooses who I can communicate with and share information to other professionals that they work with.
In my professional life, I have a range of other professionals that assist me in my business. I have supervisors who help me transition with my work and any ethical issues that may arise. They support me as I support the clients. I have a range of business coaches from time to time and draw on other experts in their fields as needed, such as accountants or lawyers.
Personally, I have my family and friends, who also provide a level of support and encouragement as I do to them. It is always great to catch up and spend time with them all, although physical distance can be an issue at times. Thankfully, we have the telephone and internet to stay connected.
Teams are everywhere. Family’s, sports, medical, education and work. Whilst we don’t always get to choose the team we are in, we can choose how we interact with the other team members. Choices are always ours in how we present to others and how we interplay with the politics of an organisation. We choose what work we will hand over or gate keep.
When I think of teamwork, collaboration is key and that includes cooperating with others on the team to work towards a common goal.