There are just about as many definitions of a teamwork as there are teams. The definition I like is “Teamwork is connected independence.” I think the new Hoover Dam Bypass perfectly illustrates the term “connected independence”. Take a look. What do you think?
Seemingly completely independent projects on opposite sides of the dam only to be ultimately connected in the middle via a high-precision and high-performing team. Amazing!
Creeping closer inch by inch – 900 feet above the mighty Colorado River – the two sides of the new bridge at the Hoover Dam slowly take shape.
The arches will eventually measure more than 1,000 feet across. At the moment, the structure looks like a traditional suspension bridge. But once the arches are complete, the suspending cables on each side will be removed!
Extra vertical columns will then be installed on the arches to carry the road. The bridge has become known as the Hoover Dam bypass, although it is officially called the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, after a former governor of Nevada and an American Football player from Arizona who joined the US Army and was killed in Afghanistan.
Although members of any team must perform independently, we are connected by a common goal –to win, to complete a project on team, to raise great kids, to improve returns for shareholders, to make the world a better place through our product/service, etc. The Hoover Dam Bridge project team members will make travel and sightseeing more efficient and compelling for the thousands who will cross their new bridge daily.
What is it that connects your independent team members? |
