Top 10 Takeaways from The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell
The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell is a classic book on the principles of teamwork. It has been translated into over 30 languages and sold over 2 million copies.
The book outlines 17 laws that are essential for successful teamwork. These laws cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of having a common goal to the need for trust and respect.
Here are the top 10 takeaways from The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork:
- The Law of the Big Picture: The most important thing about teamwork is the goal. If you don’t have a common goal, you won’t be able to work together effectively.
- The Law of the Chain: The weakest link in a team is the one that will determine its success or failure. It’s important to identify and strengthen the weakest links in your team.
- The Law of Synergy: When people work together, they can accomplish more than they could ever achieve on their own. Synergy is the result of combining the talents and skills of different people.
- The Law of Interdependence: Teamwork is about interdependence, not independence. Each member of the team needs to be able to rely on the others to do their part.
- The Law of Put-Away: Teamwork is about putting aside your own ego and putting the team first. It’s about being willing to sacrifice your own personal goals for the sake of the team.
- The Law of Respect: Teamwork is about respect. You need to respect the opinions and contributions of your teammates, even if you don’t agree with them.
- The Law of the Edge: Teamwork is about having an edge. You need to be able to compete with other teams and come out on top.
- The Law of the Magnet: Teamwork is about being a magnet. You need to be able to attract the best people to your team.
- The Law of the Elevator: Teamwork is about the elevator. You need to be able to take people to the next level.
- The Law of the Conclusion: Teamwork is about the conclusion. You need to be able to finish what you started.
These are just a few of the takeaways from The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork. If you want to learn more about the principles of teamwork, I highly recommend reading the book.
Top 10 Takeaways from The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell
Here are the top 10 takeaways from The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork by John Maxwell:
- The Law of the Big Picture: Teamwork is about achieving more together than you could ever achieve on your own.
- The Law of the Chain: The weakest link in the chain determines the strength of the team.
- The Law of Synergy: When people work together, they can accomplish more than the sum of their individual efforts.
- The Law of Interdependence: We are all interdependent on each other, and we need to learn to work together in order to achieve our goals.
- The Law of Put-Away: Teamwork requires putting aside our own personal agendas and working for the good of the team.
- The Law of Respect: Teamwork requires respect for each other’s skills, abilities, and contributions.
- The Law of the Edge: Teamwork requires a willingness to go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to succeed.
- The Law of the Magnet: Teamwork attracts the best and the brightest people to it.
- The Law of the Elevator: Teamwork is about lifting each other up and helping each other succeed.
Law 1: The Law of the Big Picture
The first law of teamwork is that you must have a clear understanding of the big picture. What are you trying to achieve as a team? What are your goals? Once you have a clear understanding of the big picture, you can then start to develop a plan and work together to achieve your goals.
In order to have a clear understanding of the big picture, it is important to have open and honest communication within the team. Everyone needs to be on the same page and understand what they are working towards. It is also important to have a leader who is able to provide clear direction and vision for the team.
When you have a clear understanding of the big picture, it is easier to stay motivated and focused on your goals. You will also be more likely to achieve success as a team.
Law 4: The Law of Interdependence
The fourth law of teamwork is interdependence. This means that team members must be able to work together and rely on each other in order to achieve success. When team members are interdependent, they are able to share ideas, solve problems, and support each other. This leads to a stronger team that is more likely to achieve its goals.
Law 5: The Law of Put-Away
The Law of Put-Away states that “what gets put away gets done.” This means that if you want to achieve your goals, you need to have a system for putting things away so that you can find them when you need them. This is especially important for teamwork, because when team members are able to find the resources they need, they can be more productive.
There are a few things that you can do to create a system for putting things away. First, you need to have a designated place for everything. This means that every item should have a home, and you should know where that home is. Second, you need to make sure that the designated places are organized and easy to access. Third, you need to develop a habit of putting things away as soon as you are finished with them.
Creating a system for putting things away will help you to be more organized and productive, and it will also help your team to be more successful.
Law 6: The Law of Respect
The sixth law of teamwork is the Law of Respect. This law states that “people who feel respected by their teammates are more committed to the team’s success.” When team members feel respected, they are more likely to be open to new ideas, share their opinions, and cooperate with each other. They are also more likely to stay committed to the team, even when things get tough.
There are many ways to show respect to your teammates. Some examples include:
- Listening to them attentively
- Considering their opinions
- Acknowledging their contributions
- Appreciating their differences
- Defending them when they are not present
When you show respect to your teammates, you are not only making them feel good, you are also making the team stronger. A team that is built on respect is more likely to be successful in achieving its goals.
Law 7: The Law of the Edge
The Law of the Edge states that “the difference between average and great is made on the margin.” In other words, the small things that you do every day can make a big difference in your results. This law applies to teamwork as well. The difference between a successful team and an unsuccessful team is often the little things that the team members do to go the extra mile.
Here are some examples of how you can apply the Law of the Edge to your team:
- Be willing to go the extra mile.
- Do your best work, even when no one is watching.
- Be positive and encouraging, even when things are tough.
- Be a team player and help others succeed.
When you and your team members apply the Law of the Edge, you will be amazed at the difference it makes in your results.
Law 7: The Law of the Edge
The Law of the Edge states that “the difference between success and failure in teamwork is the willingness to go the extra mile.” In other words, teams that are willing to put in the extra effort to achieve their goals are more likely to succeed than teams that are not.
This law is based on the principle that success is not achieved by simply doing the bare minimum. It requires hard work, dedication, and a willingness to go beyond what is expected. When team members are willing to go the extra mile, they are not only helping themselves, but they are also helping the entire team to succeed.
There are many ways to go the extra mile in teamwork. Some examples include:
- Coming in early or staying late to finish a project
- Helping out your teammates when they are struggling
- Going above and beyond what is expected of you
When team members are willing to go the extra mile, they are not only helping themselves, but they are also helping the entire team to succeed. This is why the Law of the Edge is so important for teams to understand and embrace.
The Law of the Elevator states that “people will remember how you make them feel more than anything else you say or do.” This means that it is important to be respectful and courteous to everyone, regardless of their position or status. When you treat people well, they are more likely to be receptive to your ideas and suggestions.
The Law of the Elevator can also be applied to teamwork. When you work with others, it is important to be mindful of their feelings and to make sure that everyone is on the same page. If you create a positive and supportive environment, your team will be more productive and successful.
Here are some tips for applying the Law of the Elevator to teamwork:
- Be respectful of everyone’s contributions, regardless of their role or status.
- Listen to others and be open to their ideas.
- Be supportive and encouraging.
- Create a positive and collaborative environment.
By following these tips, you can create a team that is productive, successful, and enjoyable to work with.