Teamwork

As mentioned before I am not a lonely fighter on the streets of the internet. I am member of Etsy's SATeam (Starving Artists Team) and a member of the all new and shiny ArtFire guilds Handmade in Europe and the AF Plurkies Guild. If it weren't for my great admins and fellow members (and other online friends, but this is a story for another time), I would have lost faith very quickly I guess, and I might not be here anymore. My wire would slowly tarnish in its corner and my crochet hooks would rust. The cats would take over the bead stash and ... oh, you already got the idea? Good ;-)

What is teamwork? I actually found something in Wikipedia and I quote part of the article:
Teamwork is a joint action by two or more people in which each person contributes with different skills and express his or her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group in order to achieve common goals. This does not mean that the individual is no longer important; however, it does mean that effective and efficient teamwork goes beyond individual accomplishments. The most effective teamwork is produced when all the individuals involved harmonize their contributions and work towards a common goal.
...
Teamwork can be more than two people, but the importance is working as one.

Now you probably think it was unnecessary to write that down? That is something everyone knows, you think? Well, everyone might know it, but it's not easy for everyone to do it. Actually I think it's hard for most people to do it and I am counting myself in, no doubt about that. "Ah, today I don't feel like it." "Oh, there will be enough others commenting." "I am so tired." And my favorite one (NOT!): "She/He is doing such a great job, I don't feel I am needed."
That's not true. Everyone is needed. Granted, there will be days you just can't make it and it's a good thing to be backed up by others, but you have to do your part of backing up as well. That is what teamwork is about. You know what? After a while when you have defeated what we call our "inner pig dog" in Germany ;-) you'll feel so good. If you don't have that feeling you are maybe not a team player, but that's ok, we can't all be the same, right? Most people, though, can contribute something to a team and if you put a whole lot of little things together, something great can develop.

Look at this example - the SATeam Wrist Candy Holiday Giveaway. Team members have each chipped in to create a beautiful bracelet that combines many different talents. Each time a new charm donated was posted, I had to hold my breath. That is what collaboration is about. This is a team bracelet, it doesn't matter who made which charm.


What are you waiting for? Check it out, there is still time till the 6th of December. And while you are at it, check out my team. They are worth it.