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Teamwork is an indispensable part of our life. We have teamwork for projects at work; we work with our family members to organize family reunion, to plan a wedding, to renovate our home and etc. Even the Bible teaches about teamwork in many places, i.e. “Two are better than one” (Eccl. 4:9) However, along with many blessings of teamwork, it also comes with challenges. Not every team functions well or reaches its full potential. So then what are the keys to a great team? 
A great team built by three important drivers; the first of which is RESPECT. Team members value and appreciate of each person in the group. While all members may not contribute equally, each is considered equally important. Factors: In five star teams, understanding and acceptance are always improving through valuing the differences – there’s no room for derogatory criticism, insults, backstabbing, or other us vs. them behaviors which are not only disrespectful but also counterproductive. That is why I had no hesitation to let some employees go who had such behaviors but were unwilling to change while I was managing business.
The second factor that drives commitment to each other is INTERDEPENDENCY. Members of five star teams grasp the reality that their personal success is linked to one another’s … that they achieve only when the entire team does. However, before the team becomes interdependency, each member has to be independent for handling their work or responsibility. Otherwise, members can become a burden for each other, instead of helping one another. As a result, they are truly motivated to contribute to each other’s success. They back up and support their teammates. They build mutual trust through open and honest communication and being willing to accept others’ feedback.
Finally, the third factor driving mutual commitment has to do with the LAW of RECIPROCITY. Members of five star teams are keenly aware that “what goes around comes around.” They know that in order to get things like assistance, support, courtesy, caring, honesty, and the benefit of the doubt, they must be willing to give them as well. Reciprocity will promote more people interaction and close bond among the group.
In my personal experiences, among Chinese professionals, most time we are more inclined to respect people with higher positions or are more successful, not those who’re at lower level. No wonder, valuing the differences is difficult since we do have more thought of bureaucracy.
As far as the second driver, interdependency is a much more mature concept. People with physical interdependency, who can be independent but also understand corporation, can be more effective. Those ones with emotional interdependency fully understand their value, but also realize the importance of giving love and care. Those who are intellectually interdependent understand how to overcome their own shortcomings by learning from others’ strength. Only those who can be independent first will be capable to choose the interdependency.
Bible also teaches us this clearly. God, who “shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:11), answers in kind, characteristically granting mercy to the merciful, more specifically in this instance, granting mercy to him who “receives a prophet in the name of a prophet.” Christ makes it plain that God is resolute in His promise of reciprocity (Matthew 10:41-42). What goes around comes around.
God bless.