Six adages about working in a group

Inspiration for working in a group

Whether you’re in a Teams meeting or sitting in the room together, listening, keeping an open mind, and staying even-keeled helps create bonds that make groups stronger. A successful group project or presentation leverages all the skills that individual members are capable of—all toward a common goal.

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Some of the brightest minds and most effective leaders of our time have relied on working in groups to make their name. Here are some friendly, inspirational quotes on how teamwork, cooperation, and listening to each other can make group work fulfilling and successful.

’Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.’

Helen Keller, teacher and activist

Helen Keller developed blindness and deafness from a young age. She didn’t let it stop her from receiving a Harvard education and she even toured the world as a disability rights advocate. Understanding the power of collective action, she campaigned for suffrage, women’s rights, and was instrumental in founding the American Civil Liberties Union.

’Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.’

Henry Ford, industrialist and automotive engineer

While Ford didn’t invent the assembly line or even create the first automotive assembly line, he became famous for pioneering it to its full potential by developing the Ford Model T and bringing the automobile from a plaything of the rich to the worldwide masses. His Detroit factory was run like a well-oiled machine, and industrial workers clamored for a steady job where individual tasks could combine to a cohesive whole. Keep Ford’s wisdom in mind for your next group project.

’Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.’

Michael Jordan, basketball player

Often considered the greatest player who ever competed in the NBA, Jordan was famous for his competitiveness, always looking for a rival player to challenge. He knew that he couldn’t do this alone, however. Leading the Chicago Bulls in the 90s, he joined forces with some of the most talented players and led the team to six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998.

’If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.’

Booker T. Washington, educator and civil rights leader

A famed educator and activist, Washington held the influential position of adviser to presidents William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, and William Howard Taft, as well as developing and expanding Tuskegee University. Here, he acknowledges that teamwork doesn’t just rely on one’s own achievements, but it also includes recognizing and giving credit to the works of others on your team. A compliment might seem like something small and quick to say, but it can go a long way into supporting a colleague and, at the very least, making their day.

’Leaders are made, they are not born. They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.’

Vince Lombardi, football coach

Lombardi, often recognized as one of the greatest coaches in all of sports, led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL Championships and two Super Bowls. With this quote, he recognizes the strength of collaboration in relation to leadership, whether it be a football coach, a managerial department, or a supervisor. Working in a group will quickly fall apart if there is someone in charge who doesn’t understand the challenges and responsibilities associated with being in charge. Know what the goals of a project are and encourage colleagues to know how to work toward it. Lombardi’s success was due to his vision to revive a struggling franchise and his commanding of discipline from his players, who in turn believed in his goals.

’Collaboration allows teachers to capture each other’s fund of collective intelligence.’

Mike Schmoker, author

Schmoker, an author and school administrator who regularly contributes to educational publications, recognizes how everyone has something different to bring to a collaborative project. New perspectives, personal and life experiences, and considered needs can improve a team’s prospects. Companies with diverse employees—among age, race, and gender terms have been shown to generate more revenue and more cash flow, especially among management. By drawing attention to people’s needs that might otherwise be overlooked, companies can respond to today’s demographics with more agility and understanding.

If you need to brush up on some of your other organizational skills, check out expert tips on feeling confident while public speaking, how to run a productive meeting, and the differences between management styles.