The Karcher Group might have started as a few people in a basement, but from the beginning, we’ve always believed in the principle that things are better when we do it together.
As our team has grown throughout the years, we’ve done our best to invest in “togetherness.” Sometimes that means more meetings, sometimes less. Sometimes that means tough conversations, sometimes that means laughing together on the back patio.
What it always means is that we’re constantly striving to do teamwork better…to learn and grow and refine how we approach “together.”
Josh Moyers is a military veteran who brings a unique viewpoint about teamwork to our group. Here is what Josh shared with us about what the military can teach us about teams.
Every Member is Essential
“The main thing that the Army taught me about teamwork is that it is essential for accomplishing unit (or ‘company,’ in this case) goals. Everyone in the team has a job, and though some may be able to fill the positions of others if needed, every member is essential.
In the Army, everyone in the team was family. Even those that had problems with each other knew that when it comes time to work, the work of the team is all that matters. All differences are put aside.”
Good Teams Have Guidance + Structure
“I believe the biggest part of the idea of teams that businesses fall short on is team structure. There has to be structure. Teams need leaders and guidance…a team full of leaders will fail.
The teams in the Army are very structured and work like a machine. Everyone has their place and role. Because of this structure, everyone knows exactly what they’re supposed to do and never has to question themselves.
From my experience [in business] outside of the military, there are often times when members of a team lack guidance or have a cloudy vision on what their role is.”
Good Teams Invest in Each Other + a Common Goal
“The major motivator of teams in the military is sustainment of life. Regardless of what you think about the person to the left or right of you in your team, you know that they are just as invested in your life as you are.
Because making websites is not a life or death matter, this motivator obviously won’t work in your average business. With that, I find that teams on the civilian side are often polluted with individual self-preservation. Because the ultimate goal of many employees in business is to succeed, people often only think of themselves. This can break down the structure of the team.”
When the Group Succeeds, Individuals Succeed
“People in the civilian world need to realize that if they have a cohesive team working towards a common goal, there can be success for everyone on the team.
I wish people understood that teamwork is for the good of the entire company, and that company includes them. Trying to branch off and be a lone gun will only benefit you in the short run, where making the team as a whole stronger will benefit everyone for the future.”
We believe that teamwork extends beyond our teams at The Karcher Group and includes the relationships we build with our clients. Our success is their success and vice versa. A big thanks to Josh for sharing his experience and knowledge with us to make us all a better team together.
Learn more about how The Karcher Group, now located in Ohio and South Carolina, can work with your company for success online. Contact us today.
