How to build your dream team

By Thomas B Hughes

We all have dreams that we long to accomplish in life. There are those who scoff at our dreams, saying they are unrealistic and a waste of time. There are those who will see merit in our dreams, but will feed you full of all the reasons why your dreams cannot be accomplished. And finally, there are those who believe in the beauty of your dreams, who are willing to support you through the rough times that lie ahead. These are the people that you need to surround yourself with, Your Dream Team.

Synergy

Synergy: is defined as “harmonious teamwork toward a common goal to the degree that the outcome is greater that the sum of the parts.” Simply put, this means that a group of like-minded people working together towards a common goal are more apt to be successful than the individuals effort.

“It marks a big step in your development when you come to realize that other people can help you do a better job than you could do alone.” Andrew Carnegie

In nature, the beasts and the birds have long worked together in a synergistic manner. The flight of the goose is a prime example. They fly in “V” formation so that their efforts aid each of the other members of the flock. When the leader tires, he/she moves to the back of the flock and drafts off the birds at the front. If a bird falls out of formation, they feel the drag of trying to go it alone, and quickly rejoin the flock. The lioness in search of prey does not go it alone. The adult females of the Lions Pride hunt in synergy so that all the members of the Pride may eat.

In business, athletics, and family relationships, we can learn from the animals in the wild. Where implemented, synergy helps businesses become more successful and profitable. Athletic teams with less talent are able to defeat more talented teams simply because they worked together for a common goal. And families that work and play together tend to stay together.

When you combine the right dream with the right team anything is possible. Don’t believe it? Look at the 2008 Tampa Bay baseball team. Playing with a young and inexperienced team, and operating with a limited payroll, Tampa Bay made it to the 2008 World Series. What did it take to get there? A group of 24 players, coaches, and support personnel all working towards a common goal. There were times during the season that Tampa Bay struggled. Instead of playing the blame game, they looked for ways to help each other.

“Try to reach the finish line together. Success is always sweetest when it’s shared.” Howard Schultz

So how do you go about assembling Your Dream Team?

1. You must identify a small group of like minded individuals
2. Keeping the group size small allows you to focus on your goals – focus means finish
3. Have regular meetings with Your Dream Team – mobile phones off, no interruptions
4. Meetings are to be upbeat, positive, and should be beneficial to everyone
5. Everyone must agree to be fully involved
6. Share something positive that has happened since the last time you met
7. Share opportunities and adversities, and ask for feedback and help

Just recently I was told about a group of athletes that met for dinner once a month. They discussed the positive as well as the negative things that were going on in their athletic careers. This is an example of a Dream Team in action. They had unknowingly become each others support group and they came to rely on each other.

“Even when you’ve played the game of your life, it’s the feeling of teamwork that you’ll remember. You’ll forget the plays, the shots, and the scores, but you’ll never forget your teammates.” Unknown