Some people believe that leaders have a choice to either participate with others in creating the future or to allow others the opportunity to create it themselves. It seems to me that true leaders take those two concepts and put them together. They demonstrate the need to blend individual thoughts, ideas and vision and share them with colleagues in a reciprocal manner.

In our fast-paced world of constant change there is a demand for new sensitive responsiveness that asks leaders to “dance to new organizational rhythms.” The management landscape throughout the country, as well as abroad, has begun to realize that in order to “dance” we must operate as functional and trusting teams.

As I see it, there are at least five real benefits that come from caring, nurturing and building effective teams in our respective areas of responsibility.

1. We will have a blue print, a shared vision and a plan for success that all people on the team can understand, embrace and focus their energy toward. Bringing focused expertise, energy and ability to the table is a plus.

2. Teamwork and participation will create greater commitment and further enhance the ability to implement shared decisions and strategies. When people have a stake in the process they are more likely to follow through because the plans and decisions reflect their own thinking and the team’s consensus. Team members are better equipped to carry out plans because they have been involved from the start. The better people understand needs, aspirations, and goals, and their role in delivering them, the more effective they will be.

3. As we involve more people in teambuilding there is a greater chance of developing innovation, creativity and problem solving strategies. Throughout the organization, cross-fertilization of ideas creates new opportunities, challenges and possibilities. As Rosabeth Moss Kanter writes, “This is kaleidoscope thinking–the ability to challenge traditional assumptions and define new patterns and possibilities.”

4. Teamwork provides a common framework for communication, language and problem solving. Truly effective teamwork extends far beyond the “high” of successful task implementation. A group with a common vocabulary and methodology for working together can become more productive and work in an enhanced work environment as a result.

5. An opportunity to encourage and develop self- responsibility (while less tangible) is truly possible. The potential long-term benefits from this “people power” or “people development” opportunity are grounded in the idea that if people feel a sense of ownership for their part of the process they will see the challenge as an opportunity to grow, rather than assume it’s someone else’s responsibility.

If these things are true outcomes, and I believe they can be, and if we are committed to building effective teams, then I know that we can expect improved communication, higher performance standards and expectations, improved personal and professional self- esteem and increased reward and recognition.

Ready or not, a new year is upon us. As January fades away, how are your doing with your resolutions? Are you still sticking with those life changing promises? Are they resulting in you being more successful and/or happy?

Regardless of the current result, give yourself an additional opportunity for greater success. As CEO of your own life, make a pledge to assemble a personal board of directors - a support team to help you celebrate the high points as well as to lift you up when you are down. Find someone that can hold you accountable to acheiving the results you desire and improve your overall success.