Originally posted on Fuel the Future.
With the next Cannes Lions on the distant horizon (I can barely make Fourth of July plans, so how in the world can I think about June 2012?) and my recent addition of Lisa Rosenberg to be president of Euro RSCG Worldwide PR, I’ve been obsessing a lot lately about teamwork and what work will look like in the years to come. I also become hyperfocused this time of year, every year, because it’s that anniversary phase I associate with my brain tumor (Cannes 2007 was like my send-off; a carefree clip doesn’t show cauldrons of concerns bubbling below the surface). Brain surgery and recovery convinced me no woman is an island—it’s a no-go if you try to go it alone.
Life, especially quality business life, is teamwork—more Steelers than Thelma and Louise, and definitely not “That Girl.” With associations such as TED and events like Cannes and One Young World gathering thought leaders and culture shifters, it stands to reason that today’s complicated business world isn’t steeped in the power of one anymore, and especially not the power of one sitting alone in a C suite. The future is in a cluster of folks working toward common goals and objectives, oftentimes passing the baton from time zone to time zone to sustain the pace.
No matter whose side you were on when LeBron James announced he was going to the Miami Heat to pursue a championship, you had to believe in the power of team, “dream team” even, when the Heat made it to the nail-biting NBA finals.
Another great example of someone who recognized the potent combo of the right team? Steve Jobs, who worked his staff like crazy but gave birth to the Mac. Jobs solo: awesome, but just an überwealthy genius. Jobs plus team: revolutionaries who turned us all into brand fanatics.
And what about Osama bin Laden’s demise at the hands of a crack team of SEALs as evidence of what can be achieved when we work together?
The power of one plus one is what it takes. If you’re going to succeed in sports or business or life these days, you need a team of like-minded evangelists—throughout the whole team hierarchy, not just at the top—who want to do groundbreaking work. So whether you’re a super athlete like LeBron or the latest recruit in a boot camp workout or a titan in business, the best practice for success is working as a team, to create the future and not be left behind. In a world gone social, there has never been a time in history when networking and connecting has been more important.
So I guess I just cracked a focus for my obsession: Who is going to be the front line for our team that produces a PR Grand Prix campaign next year? Mind you, I’m still not convinced PR belongs there, in the land of flawless film and perfect print, but if I am going to go Roman, my team will be kick-ass. 🙂