Cogwheel Teamwork

Cogwheels are by definition, wheels or bars with teeth or projections on its edge. Standing alone, they are unattractive in appearance and serve no significant purpose and could be said to be useless. Serving its purpose within a machine, however, a cogwheel transforms to become a very important component. In geared devices, it does this by transferring motion when it engages other projections with another wheel or bar. In a car, they are the valuable pieces that work together to ensure that torque is transmitted, and in turn, produces a mechanical advantage through what is known as a gear ratio. Gears have the ability to influence the speed and even the direction of the power source. Each process working together developing something bigger than itself. There are several devices where cogwheels are used, so much so, that one can say that modern engineering advances would not have been made possible without them. Within a machine, cogwheels, as small and seemingly insignificant, become the very element that works together with other elements to bring about a much-desired end. In the same way that cogwheels serve a valuable purpose when functioning within its purpose with other parts within theirs, so does every individual working within a team – be it in engineering or anywhere that requires a team effort.

The importance of each member

The significance of a cogwheel is not fully understood when it stands alone; as what is noticeable at face value is untapped potential. In understanding how it works with other parts, one can appreciate its importance. It is only when those parts come together to produce an outcome, does that potential become realised. Similarly, a workplace is made up of several individuals filled with a wealth of potential which can only achieve greatness when working to bring about the greater objective which is in most cases - productivity.  New York bestseller, John C Maxwell wrote in his book, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, “For the person trying to do everything alone, the game really is over. If you want to do something big, you must link up with others. One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” In that statement, he outlined that greatness, no matter how small one may think they are, can only be achieved when working as part of a team. In the field of engineering, teamwork is imperative as every person's role contributes to the overall vision. Unfortunately, as with every greatness, there are obstacles one may overcome before seeing that goal materialize. One of the biggest challenges encountered when working as a team according to 5 common teamwork challenges every team encounters, is role uncertainty. Uncertainty is not only a result of unsureness on the role you should play within the team but also, the lack of self-awareness of what natural abilities one possesses and how it can benefit the team. In other words, poor management may force ill-fitting members into a role where strengths don’t come naturally, but the absence of self-awareness of what those strengths are brings about low self-confidence. Today, companies worldwide invest in identifying what an individual’s strengths and weaknesses are with the hopes of effectively managing people, to build a team where everyone within it uses their strengths to complete the task at hand. Psychometric tests such as Myers-Briggs and The Disc Personality Profile are used to determine where someone is best suited within a team. Allowing someone to function within their strength, validates their function and optimizes their output.

Benefits of teamwork

Over and above the benefit that comes from the old adage that two heads are better than one, other benefits exist which all contribute to better company culture. These include:

1. The skill of conflict resolution is learned

Conflict is inevitable when different personalities work closely together on a project. It is said that conflict in itself is not the enemy, but rather how one deals with conflict. The advantage of having a conflict arises within a team is an opportunity to better understand how two people or more may view things. Good conflict resolution isn’t about making it personal but rather coming to a solution where everyone is able to agree and successfully move forward, putting in as much effort as they did before the conflict arose.

2. It inspires healthy risk-taking

Taking risks can be a risky affair when doing so as an individual with much more at stake. Within a team where the risks are shared however, there’s less to fear. Ideas are shared and conversely, when the risk pays off to be good for the goal at hand, the shared success is a bonding experience money can’t buy.

3. Trust is built

Trust is the foundation of a solid relationship that can withstand slight conflicts. In a team, trust is critical. As successes are achieved collectively, each member begins to identify the strengths within one another and respect is cultivated; they then begin to build each other up and in so doing create cohesiveness within the team.

4. Learning and creativity are stimulated

With each member bringing their own flair and uniqueness to the team, brainstorming becomes a creative and exciting experience. As the team settles within each member's strengths, others can learn from what may have been a weakness in them. Oftentimes, collaboration generates enthusiasm to learn which would not have been present working as an individual.

5. Strengths that complement each other is blended

When proper people management is employed when putting a team together, the strengths of each member will complement each other. As a team, members begin to rely on the strengths of the ones whom they know compensate for their own weaknesses.

6. A sense of ownership is wider spread

Job satisfaction and fulfilment are one of the major causes of people being miserable at the workplace, however, a sense of ownership gives people a sense of belonging. Belonging to the company's overall objective and mission fosters loyalty and a determination to see the company succeed.

7. Productivity is improved

The biggest and best benefit of working as a team is improved productivity. When the workload is shared, stress levels lower, employees feel more satisfied and service improves. In turn, this improves productivity as well as the bottom line.

In conclusion, teamwork does indeed make the dream work. Next time you see a cogwheel, be it on a bicycle or watch remember that alone all it is a wheel with teeth on its edge, but being a part of a team that is the machine it’s a part of; it’s critical to bring about movement, change, and significant production.