THE MIRACLE OF TEAMWORK
Achieve Great Success
ANDREW CARNEGIE (1835-1919) was a Scottish American industrialist who led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century. He is often identified as one of the richest people and one of the richest Americans ever. He played a leadership role as a philanthropist for the United States and British Empire. During the last 18 years of his life, he gave away to charities, foundations, and universities about $350 million—almost 90% of his fortune.
Carnegie shared one of his experiences in these words: “Teamwork is the ability to work together towards a common vision. It is the ability to direct individual accomplishment towards organizational objectivities. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” The above saying is very true. It is based on a law of nature laid down by the Creator. If there is a heavy stone and you want to remove it from its original place by your individual efforts, you may fail to do so. But if you put together a group and try to remove the stone by collective effort, you can certainly achieve your goal. The Prophet of Islam said: “The hand of God is on the group or team.”
The majority of the great events of history was the result of teamwork. If there is a team and every member of the team is imbued with the right spirit and has the sincere will to achieve the projected goal, the team will certainly succeed in this mission.
Teamwork means the combined action of a group. This kind of work is destined to achieve its desired goal, because the work is done with team spirit. What does team spirit mean? It means willingness to cooperate sincerely as part of a team. The majority of the great events of history was the result of teamwork.
If there is a team and every member of the team is imbued with the right spirit and has the sincere will to achieve the projected goal, the team will certainly succeed in this mission.
The highlighting factor is that there are bound to be differences amongst the team members on various issues though they work for a common goal. If all the members stay united inspite of the differences, they will be successful in their mission. Differences should not be used as an excuse to go away from the team.
The Quran has stated the importance of team work in the following verse: Surely God loves those who struggle for His cause in ranks, as if they were a solid cemented structure. (61: 4)
This Quranic verse gives the definition of teamwork: working together like a cemented structure. God Almighty has promised sure success for those who work together with team spirit. Team work means making efforts with total unity and solidarity. This kind of work needs conviction, confidence in and emotional attachment to the mission. Dedication in the members of a team is as important as team spirit. Those who are full of this kind of spirit will certainly achieve success.
Overconfidence is a common flaw in the
character of those who are lacking in humility.
The virtue of modesty makes one a realist—a
person who is cut down to size. Such people
generally proceed with caution because before
taking any action, they take into consideration
all of the factors in whatever situation they have
to tackle. They make a thorough assessment
of the risks involved. Taking this realistic
approach makes them take into account their
own shortcomings. This serves as a controlling
element in their lives and prevents them from
having to face untoward consequences.