You know what I am thinking of right now? A big pot of vegetable beef stew, chuck full of potatoes and carrots, celery and onion, salt and pepper, and choice chunks of beef all simmering in beef gravy. Am I making you hungry? Each ingredient adds something special to the pot, and when you stir it all together, the aroma is oh, so pleasing to the senses.

Believe it or not, a pot of stew reminds me of teamwork. Like the stew's ingredients, individuals come together to do something that is bigger than any one person can do all alone. The blending of ingredients each person has to offer-skills, talents, energy, wisdom, thought, focus, humor, and determination-to gain a desired result, makes the sum of the whole so much greater than the individual parts. The synergy that is present when people team up to meet a common goal or objective can be downright delectable! What could be more satisfying than working with others, unless of course, it is enjoying the results of teamwork?

I have to admit I do love to see the results of teamwork about as much as I love eating a good bowl of beef stew. I relish seeing the results of family members working together on spring-cleaning projects, or citizens coming together to make our community a better place to live. I enjoy observing the benefits that come from teamwork in action in business and industry, in the church community, and all around me.

Teamwork means less stress for everyone, greater results as well as more efficient utilization of time and resources, and the greater reward of tapping each other's creative potential. So, are you enjoying the benefits of teamwork in your life? Have you thought about all the ways working with others could spice up your life? What flavorings can you contribute to the stew?

Go ahead. Jump into the pot and begin to savor the richness of being a part of a team.

2005 Professional Development Systems All Rights Reserved

Robert Prentice

Robert A. (Bob) Prentice is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, a corporate trainer, a business and marketing consultant, an author, and publisher, who began his career 25 years ago.On December 26, 1989, Professional Development Systems was established in Rapid City, South Dakota.

In 1998, Bob moved the business to Wessington, South Dakota, so his family could experience the benefits of living in a rural community. Since the birth of PDS, Bob has worked with literally hundreds of companies and organizations within a 15 state region, delivering highly motivational training sessions in Customer Service, Leadership, Sales, Total Quality Management, Team Building and more. Literally, thousands of people participate in Bob's training seminars each year.

A family man, Bob and Vicki, his wife of 28 years, have enjoyed the privilege of raising three children?two sons and a daughter?to adulthood. They also have an 11 year old daughter. Bob says he plays much more than he works, and when he works he goes to fun! Bob's friends call him Mr. Attitude.