Jo’s Cafe

From Wikipedia:

Teamwork is the concept of people working together cooperatively[.]

Large ambitious goals usually require that people work together, so teamwork has become an important concept in organizations. Effective teams are an intermediary goal towards getting good, sustainable results. Industry has seen increasing efforts through training and cross-training to help people to work together more effectively and to accomplish shared goals, whether colleagues are present or absent.

We at work are finally starting to realize there are people who appreciate teamwork and when we are supported to do this, the benefits are off the scale.

Prior to the purchase of my office by a local competitor, teamwork was a nasty, ugly word, and something you hardly saw much of.  Needing help meant you were weak and probably needed another job.   

We were told on Monday that helping out other teams was going to be done; overtime had been approved and all help would be appreciated.  I was unable to do so on Monday due to a repair issue at home, but knew I’d jump in the rest of the week. 

Well - when I stepped in the door Tuesday morning, there was a quick meeting to be reminded “we will help out each other.”  Seems that when the boss arrived in the office about five minutes after quitting time the night prior, only two people were there – and they don’t work in our office but were brought in to assist us in the new way things are to be done. 

I wasn’t surprised really.  Being in a Team is something a lot of people in my office have no clue how to be part of – so they all just went home.  I was in the clear, had an excuse and just sat back and let the tongue lashing go forward.   BUT – it was done with respect. 

Respect is another concept we are not use to, but trust me on this folks – I’m enjoying it as it’s being reaped on those of us in the office showing we are team members and love our jobs (I really do love my job). 

I was told thank-you so many times this week for helping and being part of the “team” I’m almost flying on a cloud. Our old boss would have ate his own tongue before “honestly” saying thank-you for anything you did.  As far as he was concerned, you got paid and that was enough.

We are getting use to “teamwork” and “respect” and it’s a nice feeling.