"When two people meet, there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as he wants to be seen, and each man as he really is." Michael De Saintamo

How many of you have met a team-member which you knew deep down would not be good for the team? It happens, more times than we care to realize; and a lot of time we put it down to the “Hire-Power” or management. Did we give the new collaboration much of a chance, or did we admit to failure before it began? Its interesting how people get set in their ways and don’t want a chance to see things differently, especially if differently means that they have to adjust to something new.

Every now and again for the good of the organization, and to keep things from becoming to mundane and stagnant; a lot of companies try to inject fresh blood into a project. When this happens, either someone is being given a chance to prove themselves, or the company just thinks its time for a change with no real vision in sight. It all depends on the movers and the shakers; and their position in the marketplace.

What we have to remember, is that each pairing is not always with the good of the immediate team in mind, after all anyone working, always has someone higher to answer to, whether management, investors or share-holders and their bottom concession is that the company makes money. Some new “partnerships” work like magic; others, not so much- again it comes down to the bottom line. The more money we make, the more promise we show, and the higher up the ladder we go. Its usually a test to see if two ideologies can work together, if not, the strongest survives, and the weaker moves on.

In life, as in business, co-operation is a key element ! Without that concept, we are forced to try and do all the work solo, and disregard the added help. WE have to be willing to work alongside anyone who can be beneficial to the end cause, and be willing to step back when a better idea is offered. Productivity depends on a smooth oiled machine moving 100% forward; not two machines moving 50% forward and 50% I-don’t-know-the-direction. In politics the “all-or-nothing” approach has sunk a number of governments, and literally been the cause of war between nations- no different for business…and it shouldn’t be.

In the spirit of teamwork, and an ongoing career, trust must be established and parameters met on the “new” pairing. Everyone has a point of view and a valid reason why they function the way they do. This is where respect comes in. Respect for the company in making their decision, Respect for the new team, and respect for the bottom line, which as always is continued business by the company. Anyone can disagree with my thinking; I haven’t been the genius of alternative solutions every time, but I have always moved forward on respect. It helped in the situations where I did more than my share; and with karma in tow, I was better in the end for the experience.

This next week, as we prepare for the holiday season, and give thanks and share good wishes with co-workers, partners and workmates, remember all the effort it took to get to this point. Congratulate yourselves for your success and wish each other well moving into the New Year. Now is a great time to start with a clean slate; as the hectic pace of the season draws to a close, and the company starts to move towards a brighter tomorrow. Everyone answers to someone, and in the end, that someone is usually right.

Here's to all the success each and every one of you saw in 2011. Here’s to continued success in 2012 as we search for the next plateau knowing full well that there are surprises ahead. Thanks for the support and may all of you enjoy “Happy Holidays”

©2011 thedanieljsmith