There’s a great saying that I sometimes use – Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. It’s such a simple saying but the words pack a powerful punch. Business is a team sport and great organizations and leaders understand that everyone on the team is critical to the team’s success. Some team members bring more to the table than others, but what’s important is that every team member contributes and participates.

I’m often asked what’s the secret to putting together a great team. And while there is no secret formula, Disney’s vision, “If you can dream it, you can do it” is all that you need.

So what is the “DREAM” in team? What do team members have to do to be successful, to accomplish what they set out to do and to put together a cohesive unit? The answer is all in the word “DREAM”.

“D”

The “D” in the word DREAM is DON’T HOLD BACK. Every team member needs to say what they think. Ain’t none of us as good as all of us and the more ideas and thoughts that surface, the greater the chance for the team to be successful. There is strength in numbers and the more interaction the greater the chance of success.

“R”

The “R” in the world DREAM? REACH FOR THE SKY! Color outside the lines! Dare to be different. 2007 marks our 125th year in business at Owens & Minor and we attribute so much of our success to consistently reinventing ourselves and always seeking the new. We know that if we live with what we’re successful today, we will die with it tomorrow. You’ve heard the phrase “think outside the box” and our reply to that is “what box?”

“E”

“E” is for ENERGY. People love to be around people who are energetic, positive and who have a can-do attitude. Enthusiasm makes the difference and one’s attitude will determine their altitude. Great teams understand that success comes in cans . . . I can, you can, we can!

“A”

ALWAYS SEEK KNOWLEDGE. When you stop learning you stop growing. The more you know about a situation, the easier it is to solve a problem or meet objectives. Make sure you know the what’s, why’s, where’s and when’s. Knowledge is power and great teams share all of their knowledge and ideas with their teammates.

“M”

It’s only fitting that “M” is the last letter in the world DREAM, as it simply means MAKE IT HAPPEN. Don’t procrastinate or get caught up in the “yes, but.” Once you’ve decided the direction you’re headed, put the pedal to the metal. Nike states it best with their “Just DO It.”

If you practice the elements of the “dream” in team, you will be flying high. ‘Cause you see, all a dream is, is a goal with wings.