Do you prefer solo endeavors or projects that require teamwork? There’s no right or wrong answer here, but thinking about it can be an interesting way to get to know more about yourself.

Your choice may depend in part on your personality—extrovert, introvert or a combination of the two—and also on your motivation. In other words, what motivates you to work and get the job done? Finding the balance between working alone and as part of team is a skill that also plays a big part in life and in Active Wellness.

Extroverts are outgoing and generally perceived as people who enjoy being around others. They typically thrive in group situations and are comfortable giving opinions and if necessary, arguing their points.

Introverts prefer alone time and are less likely to assert themselves in a group. This does not mean they are less capable; in reality, it usually pays off for a team to pick the brains of the introverts, because they tend to have unique perspectives that can make a project stand out but need to be coaxed to voice them.

Those who enjoy working on a team tend to be energized by interactions with others. They thrive on the energy of others and contribute their own into the group dynamic. Because they enjoy teamwork, they tend to be cooperative and likewise, expect others to help them find solutions to questions to create a good work flow. They use the team’s energy and goals as their primary sources of motivation.

The greatest benefit of working as part of a team may be the sharing of knowledge and skills. We are all gifted individually and when these skills are pooled, it can produce a much greater result than the abilities of one person. The collective brainstorming, in the best scenarios, produce creativity, strength and effectiveness.

Another benefit of working on a team is the potential to create friendships and even lifelong bonds. This certainly is true of network marketing organizations where the sponsor becomes a mentor to the people who sign up. Or, an entrepreneur who heads a start-up and grows an extended “family” who works to make the venture successful—the ups and down eventually end up being shared experiences that create permanent bonds. Just look at the unbreakable bonds of soldiers who have shared life-death encounters and survived together!

Motivation plays a big part in choosing how to work. Soloists are able to self-motivate, something not everyone can do. Rather than requiring the energy of others to become motivated, soloists know they are accountable for both the ups and the downs that can come from working alone. They won’t be held back by others, but neither do they have the support of a team.

Not everyone is capable of working independently without having someone looking over their work. Those who prefer working alone appreciate not having someone “hovering” or looking over their shoulders. They are highly motivated to do their best work when they are free of the interruptions that are part and parcel of being a team member. Introverts are often motivated by the feeling of independence and happy to set their own goals and schedules. Even if they belong to a company, these solo workers shape their own work flows and can create their own suitable work environments.

The pandemic changed the workplace in a big way. As people were relegated to working from home or remotely, teamwork took on a new practice. Even now, some work methods continue, for example, meetings via Zoom or other platforms rather than face-to-face. Working remotely or hybrid work formats also continue on.

At Nikken, we have learned to be more flexible and cooperative while working online as a team. And, we have learned how resilient we are.

https://www.hugo.team/blog/team-collaboration-vs-working-alone

The Benefits of Teamwork vs. Working Independently