There is a proverb in the Urdu language, that 1+1 is not equal= to 2, but equals to=11. This proverb is a beautiful explanation, of the fact that working together can prove much more effective and productive than working alone. However, working together can have a price attached to it. That is, those working together, instead of pulling each other’s legs should try and be helpful towards each other. Rather than exhibiting themselves and giving importance to their individual benefits, they should give importance to the collective cause. And when there’s a conflict, instead of turning it into an ego issue, they should just accept that different people can think differently.

In a trade organization a unified act comes into being because, in the face of conflict an individual can take their separate stand or the employer may replace them and pay a person with similar skills. However, in a non-trade organization the situation can be very different. As people, are not working for some benefit but are focused on a common ‘cause’. And people, who work for causes are usually extraordinary individuals. Nevertheless, there is an expense of these extraordinary individuals. The price/expense is that, their opinion has to be respected, their integrity has to be kept intact and they have to be given work according to their relevant skills.

Another thing of significance here is the future training of these people. This training should entail, that integrity of people should not be converted to narcissism or false pride. In expressing their skills, people should not break the discipline and basic rules of the organization. And in favor of their opinions, they should not overlook the views and thoughts of others.

Combined success is only achieved through paying this twofold price. That is, respecting the extraordinary individuals and the readiness of these individuals, of their correction and training. It is this two dimensional attitude, that makes teamwork effective.

 

(Translated by Khadijah Usman)