| come in all shapes and all sizes- from a two | | | | through the racing track, and ensuring that the |
| member couple racing against time and the | | | | wheels sets are changed to the count of seconds |
| environment in ‘The Amazing | | | | speaks volumes of a team geared to work at |
| Race’ to crowds cheering slogans and | | | | the optimum level of efficiency. |
| admiring the skills of the soccer teams of Real | | | | Control over the known and unknown factors to |
| Madrid and Manchester United. History is witness | | | | the maximum extent implies that the team not |
| to the success and failure of teams with the | | | | only functions knowing the set of variables, but |
| clichéd yet true adage that ‘United | | | | also keeps a margin for errors as well as |
| we stand and divided we fall’. For people | | | | adequately prepared with backup contingencies. |
| torn between national, religious, cultural and ethnic | | | | Sending the Pathfinder to Mars had its own share |
| sentiments, the team concept has percolated | | | | of mishaps and setbacks, but the success story is |
| down to all aspects of our society. | | | | an inspiration for future generations of space |
| Certain intrinsic characteristics and motivations | | | | lovers and star seekers. |
| drive teams in all fields of life towards achieving | | | | Mankind progression was quantum in nature with |
| their dreams, both at the group level and on a | | | | the invention of the wheel, the discovery of fire, |
| personal front. The same way a diamond is | | | | and the will to realize that quality of life improved |
| graded according to its 4Cs, teams are built | | | | through innovations. Caution must be exercised |
| towards success on certain ground rule | | | | between innovation merely for the novelty of the |
| ‘C’ principles. Team formation is | | | | idea and creative innovation, which implies |
| governed by a set of people who adhere to fixed | | | | challenging the known frontiers of concepts |
| rules, which can be categorized as a Charter. It is | | | | towards something more profound and beneficial |
| the binding force forming the do's and | | | | for humanity. People had scoffed at the idea of |
| don’ts of participation. Clear expectations | | | | man being ever able to fly in the beginning of the |
| from the leader of the team, or the team itself, | | | | last century, yet 45 years later Bomber planes |
| need to be determined at the very beginning, so | | | | were flying over uncharted territories. Creative |
| that the operating principles are clearly defined. | | | | innovation is one of the driving forces for |
| The reason for the team to be functional could | | | | progress on all fronts. |
| range within any known bounds of rationality. | | | | There can be consequences to innovation and |
| There are people of different skill sets, talents | | | | collaboration ... 9/11 is an example to the horrors |
| and capabilities. If all performance were on a | | | | unleashed within a span of a few seconds. |
| constant measurable scale, mankind would not | | | | Teamwork was as crucial as the mastermind |
| have progressed very far, on account of | | | | behind the chain of events which shocked the |
| different levels of tasks requiring specialized | | | | world. |
| requirements. A good team is a balanced one, | | | | Effective communication channels should be a two |
| with each specific advantage that every member | | | | way process to avoid misunderstandings, ensure |
| holds over the other in harmony. Blended | | | | a smooth flow of dialogue, and act as a motivator |
| collaboration ensures that all members contribute | | | | to urge the team towards excellence. |
| in a significant capacity to bring out the best in | | | | Ballads have been sung for great heroes down |
| each one of the team players. | | | | history. Team dynamics have grown more |
| The two keys factors for success in any field is | | | | sophisticated and cutthroat as everyone vies to |
| Commitment and Consistency. If the goal or the | | | | be the best in their respective fields. We vote for |
| end result is the same for all, the team can | | | | our leaders but it has never been a one man |
| become a force to be reckoned with. As much as | | | | show. The new President of the United States is |
| we would like to believe that Michel Schumacher is | | | | proof that with a great team one can start |
| extremely talented behind a set of hot wheels, | | | | re-writing history and perhaps the beginning of a |
| car racing is team work, as with any other sport. | | | | success story. |
| Ensuring the car is serviced to the prime, guiding | | | | |