Teamwork failures

Every management textbook I read explains the need and virtues of teamwork, in class we discuss virtual teams, cross functional teams, self-directed teams, leadership teams and quality teams and the benefits they bring to the organisation.

I'm a yachtie and sail on weekends, sailing on a yacht is all about teamwork with the skipper pointing the vessel in the right direction to move fast through the water. Controlling the mainsheet ensures we point high and are powered up, the jib trimmer ensures we have adequate power along with the tailer who ensures we tack quickly.

The forwardhand and masthand ensure downwind legs are efficient with raising and lowering of sails, they provide tactical information to the skipper and tacking. Yet, head across to my former workplace and teamwork is non-existent; people undermine your work, are horrible to get on with and actually slow the workplace down.

If they were sailing on a yacht they would be left on the shore as it is better to head with out one or two crew down. The damage inept crew can do far outweighs having them onboard, so just run short. Instead, not only do we pay them, we promote them and allow them to damage the workplace and the performing tam members.