The exceptional-looking car has one fundamental issue: one can never count on the engine starting. How long do you imagine it may take to exchange it for another vehicle? Similarly, the toaster toasts erratically, the store that opens erratically, and the pen that writes sporadically. We want to know if we can rely on things or soon we will lose trust and move on.
In the quest for exceptional teamwork, focusing on compensating for others’ shortcomings is tempting. However, true teamwork is not about picking up slack but being the reliable factor that others can count on. This shift in perspective—from depending on others to being dependable ourselves—creates a fundamental change in team dynamics.
Consider the insights from the book “The Boys in the Boat,” which illustrates the power of unity and mutual reliability. The crew team’s success was not merely due to individual prowess but their collective trust and accountability.
They are reliable means embracing responsibilities, commitments, and expectations. It’s a reciprocal relationship; our contribution strengthens the team, and in turn, the team’s achievements reinforce our sense of purpose and accomplishment.
By committing to reliability, we fulfill our role and contribute to an environment where excellence is the norm. We may never fully realize the impact of opting out, but being a reliable team member benefits everyone involved.
Reliability isn’t just a trait; it’s the cornerstone of exceptional teams. For any high-performing team, we depend on reliability; where it does not exist, we either find it or redefine what we consider to be high-performing.
