成功是「團隊運動」
當你想到「成功」，你的腦中會出現什麼？你如何定義成功？對有些人而言，成功是擁有一個能賺許多錢或提供某種地位或權力的工作。有些人則認為成功是獲得升遷或者得到公司或社會的肯定。還有些人認為成功是達成想要的目標。
在那些情況中，成功是決定在個人的層次。我讀過一本吉米．崔梭所寫的書「優勝者手冊」。他是一位美式足球教練，他建議我們對那看法要再思。他把成功定義為「知道自己已盡力為群體服務，所以內心感到滿足與平安」。崔梭更進一步說：「成功是團隊運動」。
那樣的想法有很大的智慧。例如，你在業務部門，即使你很有說服力，但若產品的品質不好，或不能提供及時的服務，成功就不能長久。一個成功的商務會議需要許多人去處理無數的細節－－報名、安排住宿、排定議程、甚至為大家的三餐排定食譜。一個高級主管不論有多傑出，一定要一些有技能且能幹的屬下幫助他一起去達成公司的目標。最有天份的外科醫師也需要護士和其他屬下才能完成一個成功的手術。
幾年前當我擔任雜誌編輯，我最享受的經驗是與我那有創意的團隊一起編出每一期刊物。我負責大部份的寫作和編輯，但需要倚靠我們的設計師、副編輯、助手、插畫家和材料經理一起對於內容、封面、頁面排版、文章標題、照片、卡通和其他圖片做腦力激蕩。我對於每一期出版的雜誌都感到驚奇，因為我知道全體的合作效果比個人的努力更大。
成功與團隊的連結是聖經常常提到的觀念：
透過不同的觀念達到成功。即使好的點子也有改進的空間，而且不同的看法可以提供平衡，對於決策和執行計畫也能帶來很大的改變。「不先商議，所謀無效；謀士眾多，所謀乃成」（箴言15章22節）。
透過引出彼此的優點達到成功。在與別人工作時，我們可以挑戰彼此，刺激更有想像力的想法，而且能促使我們運用我們的天份、技能和經驗到極至。「鐵磨鐵，磨出刃來；朋友相感也是如此」（箴言27章17節）。
透過結合力量達到成功。科學研究已顯示藉著合作，我們能夠比獨自作業達成更多。我們可以合併我們獨特的能力且互補彼此的弱點。「兩個人總比一個人好，因為二人勞碌同得美好的果效…三股合成的繩子不容易折斷」（傳道書4章9-12節）。
透過互相支持與鼓勵達到成功。單獨工作可能會孤單且沮喪，一起工作不僅可以分擔重擔，也可建立同志情誼，並提供情緒上的鼓勵。「又要彼此相顧，激發愛心，勉勵行善…要彼此勸勉」（希伯來書10章24-25節）。
思想 / 討論題目
在讀此篇「週一嗎哪」前，你如何定義成功？ 本文說成功的地定義是「知道自己已盡力為群體服務，所以內心感到滿足與平安」。對此你有何看法？ 想想你曾參與一個團隊去完成某個目標的一次經驗。若你被要求或你自己選擇獨自作業或沒有那團隊的參與，結果會有何不同？ 你認為個人應該不要考慮群體的最佳利益而去追求個人的成功嗎？請解釋。註：若你有聖經且想要看有關此主題的其他經文，請看：
箴言11章14節，12章15節，13章20節，19章20節，20章18節，24章5-6節；馬可福音6章7-13節；路加福音10章1-2節
SUCCESS IS A “TEAM SPORT”
By: Robert J. Tamasy
When you think of “success,” what comes to your mind? How would you define it? For some people, success means having a job that pays a lot of money, or provides a certain level of status or power. Others regard success in terms of earning a coveted promotion or receiving recognition in the company or the community. Still others would view success as the achievement of desired goals.
In each of those scenarios, success is determined on an individual level. But a book I have been reading, The Winners Manual, written by Jim Tressel, an American football coach, suggests we rethink that perception. He defines success as “the inner satisfaction and peace of mind that come from knowing I did the best I was capable of doing for the group.” Tressel proceeds to declare, “success is a team sport.”
There is great wisdom in that kind of thinking: If you are in sales, for example, even at your persuasive best, success will be short-lived if products or services are of poor quality or cannot be provided in a timely manner. A successful business conference requires many people to handle countless details – registering attendees, negotiating accommodations, arranging for various sessions, even planning menus for group meals. A top executive, no matter how acclaimed, must have a skilled and capable staff to meet company objectives. The most gifted surgeon needs nurses and other medical staff to perform successful surgery.
Years ago as magazine editor, one of my most enjoyable experiences was working with our creative team to bring each edition to reality. I did the majority of the writing and editing, but depended upon our designer, associate editor, executive assistant, illustrator and materials manager to come together as we would brainstorm about content, cover and page layout, article titles, photographs, cartoons and other graphics. I marveled at every issue that was published, knowing the whole was greater than the sum of the parts.
This idea of success being linked to teamwork is a concept the Bible repeated addresses:
Success through different perspectives. Even good ideas can be improved upon, and varied viewpoints can provide balance as well as make a tremendous difference in both decision-making and the execution of plans. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).
Success through bringing out the best in one another. In working with others, we can challenge one another, stimulating more imaginative thinking and prompting us to utilize our gifts, skills and experience to the fullest. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).
Success through combining strength. Scientific studies have shown that by working together, we can accomplish much more collectively than if we worked independently. We can combine our unique abilities and compensate for one another”s weaknesses. “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work…. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).
Success through mutual support and encouragement. Working alone can be lonely and discouraging. Working together not only allows us to share the load, but also builds camaraderie and provides emotional encouragement. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds…let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit corporation based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran of more than 38 years in professional journalism, he is the author of Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace (River City Press) and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring: 10 Proven Principles for Developing People to Their Fullest Potential (NavPress).
Reflection/Discussion Questions
Before reading this “Monday Manna,” how would you have defined success? What is your reaction to the definition of success as “the inner satisfaction and peace of mind that come from knowing I did the best I was capable of doing for the group”? Think of a particular time when you worked as part of a team to accomplish certain goals or objectives. How would the outcome have been different if you had been required, or had chosen, to work on your own or without key parts of the team? Do you think individuals should pursue success even without having concern about the best interests of the group? Explain your answer.NOTE: If you have a Bible and would like to review some other passages that relate to this topic, consider the following verses:
Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 13:20, 19:20, 20:18, 24:5-6; Mark 6:7-13; Luke 10:1-2
