Why Teamwork Matters
“It is not true that I am self-made. Like everyone, to get to where I am, I stood on the shoulders of giants… We all need fuel. Without the assistance, advice, and inspiration of others, the gears of our mind grind to a halt, and we’re stuck with nowhere to go.” Arnold Schwarzenegger
In 2016 we wrote and published The Small Business Handbook and the process was a reminder of how important teamwork is. I couldn’t have done it on my own – and as the project expanded, so did the collaboration.
The definition of “teamwork” today is different to a few years ago. Now the team doesn’t even have to be in the same office. At Matoyana we also promote a culture of entrepreneurship, so many of our team aren’t full time employees, but skilled contractors who help us on a regular basis.
Here are our top five “E’s” of why teamwork matters:
Energy
“With an enthusiastic team you can achieve almost anything.” Tahir Shah
Particularly with a long-term project, the significance of having a team involved is invaluable when it comes to keeping the momentum going. With regards to writing a book, I found I could pass the baton on to production and editing who would filter content down to design, giving me the chance to refocus on the next chapter.
Ethos
“Individual commitment to a group effort – that’s what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” Vince Lombardi
Having different personalities involved in your business may, at times, be challenging but it will benefit you hugely in the long run – allowing your company culture to take a more diverse shape around you and the team.
Engagement
“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you, spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” Amy Poehler
We all perceive things differently. If you have a trusted team looking at a challenges from a fresh perspective, that engagement helps shift blocks in creativity or process; plus adds the (sometimes) much needed confidence to continue.
Empowerment
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Booker T. Washington
Adding people to your team will empower them with new skills and grow your own learning curve. Our Small Business Handbook team all gathered new information from each other about copyright, design, editing and printing.
Excellence
“Many ideas grow better when transplanted into another mind than the one where they sprang up.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
While start-up or first time projects may not go exactly as planned, having a team involved will set you up for excellence for the next one!
*** With many thanks to Matoyana’s excellent partners who helped with The Small Business Handbook creation.
For guidance in creating a team for your small business, feel free to contact us.
Contact: Nokwazi Mzobe, Founder at Matoyana
Email: nokwazi@rocketpad.co.za
Matoyana is passionate about creating and supporting sustainable entrepreneurs on the African continent. Since 2013 Matoyana has interacted with over 1000 entrepreneurs through various projects and initiatives. We provide personalized support which is tailored to meet our client’s business needs.
