As the name might suggest this post is all about teamwork. In the past year of being a full time freelancer I’ve been able to work on projects both individually and as a part of a team. I can’t really say I have a preference as to which way I like working; it really just depends on the project. But seeing how we’re talking about teamwork we’ll focus on that side of the coin.
Working in a team can be one of the most enjoyable and miserable experiences of your life. I just choose to make most of them enjoyable, it helps the project go that much smoother. One of the main benefits to working on a project in a team is that you have the input of your team on the creative process. I like to think of the creative process as a puzzle; it takes many pieces coming together to get the finished product. Without one of those pieces the whole project will suffer, which in turn means your business will suffer. The majority of my work comes from the referrals of happy clients. But since we’re not talking about client relations here we’ll get back to teamwork.
In order for a team to function or “work” you need “teamwork;” I know I know, it’s all to cliche. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through working at a family business and now being a small business owner is that you can NOT take business personal. It should be what the name implies…business. This also goes for teamwork no matter what type of team you’re working on. You must think of everyone bringing something to the table; sure there are going to be ideas that clash, but that’s the beauty of the thing. Take a little from here and a little from there, put it together and enjoy the finished product. You can’t get your feelings hurt when someone has an idea that isn’t the same as yours, if you do I suggest always working alone. I’ve been the prideful designer that thought I knew everything was to know about anything and when someone suggested an “idea” on something I had done the grumbling instantly started. But, at the end of the project their idea turned out to be the most beneficial.
Think of any sports team, there are different positions that must function accordingly for the team to be successful. I’ll even go as far to say there are similar positions that much function together as well. Your second string QB shouldn’t be bitter towards the starting QB. He’s there as support and also to play when needed. He MUST stay behind the team. Teams only function correctly when everyone is on the same page.
All of this comes back to asking yourself…can you work on a team? Or, are you just not a team player. Team players always want what is best for the team even if it isn’t beneficial to them personally!
jamesonharding
