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Teamwork 15 Jan. 2008 |
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Leadership summits
around the world usually focus on self-empowerment, self-development,
and the like. However, is it really just all about self when we "lead?" A leader, according to Peter Drucker, "is someone who has followers." John Maxwell supported this when he said, "Leadership is all about influence. Nothing more and nothing less." This would simply mean that if you call yourself a leader, you must be an influencer and you must have followers. If not, then you’re not leading but merely just taking a walk. This kind of following and influencing is not just a matter of people imitating you nor is it a matter of building a congregation of some sort but rather a matter of influencing people to catch your God-given vision leading them to work with you in achieving it. This group of people now becomes your team. An author also said that, "Like eagles, you don’t see leaders in flocks and seldom do you see them together. You’ll find them individually flying and leading their own teams." These leaders know the key. It’s not just the leaders but their team — the composition of their team; the strength of their team; and the vision and the drive of their team to achieve their goal. Leaders are not only to form their team but leaders need to know their team and every member of it – their strengths and weaknesses. Leaders need to maximize even the weaknesses of their teams to serve the betterment of all. Leaders need to motivate their team not to give up until they achieve their goals. Leaders need to cultivate unity and teamwork given the dynamics and the different specializations of each of their members. Leaders are to stand firm despite opposition to protect their team from discouragements that would hinder them from achieving their goals. Let’s bring this principle closer to home. One of the teams closest to my heart is the Presidential Management Staff (PMS). This may not be a team I created nor I formed, but I consider and love it as my own. The PMS is basically the Secretariat of the President. We are committed to serve the Presidency to be in the service of the Filipino people. As the director general of the PMS, I lead one of the best teams in the Philippines, one that is wellequipped, dynamic, flexible, committed and driven. This team, from the top down, has players with different styles, strengths and weaknesses but despite the differences is united in a common dream of a New Philippines — a Philippines that is developed economically, physically, morally and spiritually. This dream and vision motivates everyone to work together, everyday. As PMS Head, it is my job to grow and cultivate teamwork within PMS, to make the dream work. The dream of a New Philippines, however, must not only be the dream of PMS but of every Filipino citizen, as well. This dream will only work and come alive if all of us unite, put our shoulder to the grindstone, move as one towards greater things, and work together to achieve peace, economic success and moral uprightness, for our future generations and the country. It’s never too late to dream and build a team! The challenge is upon us to work as one in pursuing our dream – the dream of a New Philippines. Let’s work as a team. After all, as John Maxwell put it: "Teamwork makes the dream work." |
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