Teamwork makes the dream work.
— John MaxwellYou can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.
— Walt Disney
This was inspired by a recent social media post congratulating a dear friend of mine for being commended Veterinary Nurse of the Year at her place of work. I couldn’t be happier for her. Louise and I have been friends since 2019 and she’s one of the most fun, caring, and genuine people I’ve ever met. It was a delight to see how many of her friends and colleagues feel the way I do about her. As I commented on the post, “I have tears in my eyes reading this, Louise! Congratulations! So so happy you exist!” She’ll be a touch embarrassed to read this further tribute to her existence, but I’m confident she’ll forgive me. (Love you, Lou!)
It reminded me of a success of my own. A few months ago the team I’m part of was recognised with an award for working so well together. The following is excerpted from the announcement on our regular all colleague call.
And the winner of the Dream Team award is the [xxxx] team. Well done indeed! The team demonstrates the essence of teamwork, which is required in this fast-paced environment, supporting [things] 24/7 through strong collaboration. They’ve got some people with thirty years of experience, some new starters who’ve fitted in perfectly and brought their enthusiasm and new ideas.
As one of those with over thirty years’ experience, I tend to be cynical of workplace commendations. They can be an easy way of “rewarding” people without paying them any more money or improving their working conditions in practical ways. As I described last November, the official recognition of my three decades of continuous employment left me less moved than I might have been, although the flowers were appreciated. I likewise groan a little inside at the corporate “Wonder Wall” where you can post a short message of thanks or recognition for a colleague.
This felt different, though. I think that’s because it recognised publically what we already felt within the team. We get along brilliantly, adapting to the shifting demands of the job with enthusiasm (mostly!) and a sincere desire to do the very best we can. We congratulate each other, simply and spontaneously, when one of us does something a little extra or impressive, and are generous with our thanks when someone takes on a task they wouldn’t normally do to share the workload more evenly.
The difference in our ages, work and life experience is a bonus. We bring our respective strengths and talents to the table, keen to share and support one another. As the award announcement recognised, “It’s common to see them gathered around somebody’s desk learning from each other and troubleshooting. And all this is sharing knowledge, sharing learning, [supporting] each other’s and the team’s personal growth.”
Our teamwork extends beyond the work itself. It’s not uncommon to find us sharing what’s going on in our lives outside the office, listening and supporting each another on a personal level. That kind of vulnerability speaks to the degree of trust that exists between us. It’s something I value immensely.
Whether on a personal or a team level, awards such as these are no substitute for more tangible recognition, reward, and compensation. As much as I wish it were otherwise, I can’t buy groceries or pay utility bills with my Dream Team award. When they’re employed sensitively, though, they can and do make a difference. As Fran reminded me when I told her I was writing this piece, awards give colleagues and friends the opportunity to express their thanks and appreciation too. I think Louise would agree. (You may have more luck at the supermarket with your Special Recognition trophy, Lou. It’s pretty impressive!)
We didn’t get a physical trophy but I changed our Teams chat icon to a golden trophy 🏆 to remind us — and everyone else — of our success. The Dream Team award may go elsewhere next year but we’ll always know we’re the best!
Photo by Giorgio Trovato at Unsplash.
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