Does the most talented person achieve better results, or the most cohesive team? This is what research on workplace support networks suggests. The world we live in can sometimes be overwhelming and demanding, especially in the workplace. What if our relationships with others were what sustained us? Friendship, trust, and understanding can be both a lifeline and a motor for success. But do support networks really have a place at work? Are these bonds necessary for us to thrive in our careers?
What will you read about in this article?
Career Success: A Matter of Individual Talent or Teamwork
“When you succeed, there will always be fools who say you have talent,” noted French poet and playwright Edouard Pailleron. Often, when people achieve great things, others attribute their success solely to their individual abilities. But is talent alone enough to achieve success?
However, to continue with famous quotes, Alfredo Di Stéfano, considered one of the best footballers in history, stated that “no player is as good as all of them together.”
It’s true that the more talent there is in a sports team, business, or any other group, the greater the common potential. But John C. Maxwell, author of ‘Talent Is Never Enough’, encourages us to focus precisely on Di Stéfano’s maxim:
“Surround yourself with people who add value to you and encourage you, and your talent will move in a positive direction. If you spend your time with people who constantly drain you, lead you in a bad direction, or bring you down, it’ll be almost impossible for your talent to soar. People can trace their failures and successes in life to the meaningful relationships they have,” writes Maxwell.
In 2001, the author wrote “The 17 Indisputable Laws of Teamwork”. The first point he included was the law of significance, which says: “One is too small a number to achieve greatness.” If you want to do something of value, you need teamwork. If you want to develop your full professional potential, you need a support network.
What a Support Network Consists Of
A support network in the workplace is much more than a simple contact list; it is a dynamic set of relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding. They can be composed of colleagues, supervisors, mentors, and external resources such as counselling services. They function as an ecosystem of support that helps individuals navigate the daily challenges of the work environment.
These networks can aid our emotional and professional well-being, providing a safe space to share experiences, fears, joys, and concerns, allowing us to feel heard and understood. They’re people who will be by your side in both good and bad times, helping you achieve your personal and professional goals.
“A support network in the workplace is a dynamic set of relationships based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.”
As this research points out, having a solid support network not only helps in facing challenges and making important decisions but also fosters a sense of belonging and community. Additionally, having a diverse mix of people allows for different perspectives.
It is essential to remember that support is bidirectional: investing time in getting to know those in your network better and being willing to share your skills and knowledge when they need them strengthens these valuable relationships and ensures lasting benefits for all involved.
The Power of Support Networks and Teamwork
This was demonstrated by research conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which found that when it comes to solving complex problems, groups achieve better results than even the highest-performing individuals.
Dr. Patrick Laughlin and his team attributed this to people’s ability to work together to generate and adopt correct answers, reject incorrect answers, and process information effectively.
“When it comes to solving complex problems, groups achieve better results than even the highest-performing individuals.”
This finding has important implications not only at a professional level but also personally. The quality of our workplace support networks and the environment in which we operate can enhance or limit our innate abilities. In a business scenario, for example, organisational culture can be a determining factor for employees to capitalise on their talent.
Companies that promote a teamwork culture often see tangible benefits, such as greater innovation, job satisfaction, and operational efficiency. A study by the consultancy firm Gallup found that teams with high levels of collaboration have 17% higher engagement levels and are 21% more productive than those working individually.
Moreover, the impact of the environment on talent development is not limited to adults in the workplace. From an early age, interaction with mentors, teachers, and peers plays a fundamental role in the growth of an individual’s skills. Educational programmes that encourage group work, collaborative projects, and extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to develop social and professional competencies that will be essential in their adult life.
The idea that talent alone is not enough is also reflected in the philosophy of high-performance sports. Successful teams like the New Zealand All Blacks in rugby or the Chicago Bulls during Michael Jordan’s era have demonstrated that team cohesion and the ability to work together are as crucial as the individual skills of their members.
In conclusion, although talent is an important foundation for success, it’s clear that the relationships and environment we operate within play an equally crucial role. Surrounding yourself with supportive people, working in a team, and fostering a positive environment are determining factors that allow talent to transform into achievement. As John C. Maxwell aptly put it, “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships”.