The Magic of working together. (National Commentary).(Brief Article)

This year's annual convention theme is based on the best-selling book, High Five!, co-written by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles. I am looking forward to the Opening General Session when we will all have the opportunity to hear Mr. Bowles' message, thanks to the generous support and sponsorship from D&B for this important keynote presentation.

The book combines the charm of a timeless parable with cutting-edge information about why teams are important and what individuals and organizations can do to build successful ones. Through the story of Alan Foster, a workplace one-man band, the book identifies the four key ingredients of winning teams. Although Alan is an effective producer at his company, he is unwilling to share the spotlight by partnering on projects and is fired because, as his boss puts it, "Alan, we need good producers who are good team players, too." The loss of his job because of his failure to be a team player is a bitter pill for Alan to swallow. While mulling over his disappointment, Alan takes his son to his grade-five hockey practice, where it is clear that his son's team, the Riverbend Warriors, knows nothing about teamwork either.

When the team's two overworked coaches learn of Alan's plight, they persuade him to join their ranks, and he finds himself charged with teaching himself and the players the meaning of teamwork. With the help of a former teacher, who served for many years as a girls' basketball coach, Alan and the Warriors learn the magic of teamwork and that "none of us is as smart as all of us."

All teams must have a clear sense of purpose, with defined values and goals, reinforced with a charter or shared understanding that gives team members a reason to trade self for selflessness. All teams must find ways to unleash and continually develop skills; developing individual skill bolsters collective skills, or the skill level of the entire team. Team power, created by the synergistic harmony or working together, allows any team to catapult towards excellence.

The authors of the book make some very valuable and interesting points: if you're going to be part of a ...