Note: This article is adapted for the modern corporate team from one of the teaching of Bhagavan Buddha to his Bhikkus, compiled and interpreted by Ram, Chief, SAMANVAYA. This article was first published in a management newsletter in 1998. Faith, cooperation and inter-dependence are characteristics that differentiate successful teams from others. These traits can be developed through individual initiatives. Combined team exercises are necessary for creating successful teams, but, so are guidelines at an individual level.
We present here six principles
for individuals working towards being a better team member:
- Good Health
Your physical and mental well being has a direct impact on the health
of your team. Take responsibility for your health and care for the other
team-members too.
- Sharing Often
Misunderstandings are created because someone in the team is possessive
or unwilling to share. Don't hesitate to share your knowledge or experience,
if it will help the team members to perform better. Realise that by sharing,
you are contributing to the development of interdependence and faith within
the team.
- Similar interests
Try to identify your common interest areas with your team members. Taking
part in meetings and activities related to religion, or specific social
issues like environment, health, civic amenities, etc. along with your
team members forms special bondings with them.
- Harmony of Speech
Most of our speech is habitual. It comes from either things we have said
earlier, or have heard others say. By being more conscious of your speech,
you can avoid negative patterns. By being constantly aware of whether
what you speak will help the other individual or the organisation, you
can develop more positive speech patterns.
- Harmony of views
Often, on hearing views expressed by others, we react "this is not
what I feel, so it is wrong" or "this is against what I said,
I cannot accept it". Such strong views and deep feelings often limit
us. Can we tone down our individualism? Deep listening and considering
other's views with earnestness is necessary for better team work.
- Remember, all are people
Remembering is the key. Working in close proximity, you can observe what
makes your teammates happy and what makes them sad, their likes and dislikes.
Consciously remembering and positively utilising this knowledge in your
interaction with them, conveys the feeling that you care.
These principles are easy
to adopt and all it needs is just one person to start with. YOU.