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It's the cry of every teamwork proponent the world over, "There is no 'I' in team!" Individuals are supposed to make a contribution to the team effort. That's it.
Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman contend that this is a mistake. According to their book "Top Dog: The Science of Winning and Losing," the emphasis on teamwork will turn off top applicants who believe all the collaboration means they can't stand out.
Healthy rivalry, they explain, helps people focus and encourages them to take risks.
To avoid complacency, the authors recommend that teams be kept small and that each member have a clearly defined role so they can have ownership and pride in their work. Think of a football game. Each player has a certain job to do, but they still work together to achieve a win for the team.
Not all people thrive in an aggressive atmosphere, and some people, for reasons of nature and nurture, want to avoid it entirely. Women, the authors say, tend to focus on the odds of winning.
Men tend to focus on what they'll win, which means they could become overconfident and take risks. They sometimes think they can win in spite of evidence that shows the opposite.
While it's tempting to say the cautious person is not as effective, what's perceived as being timid may be the most accurate reading of risk.
When women believe in their position, they tend to fight as fiercely and often more successfully than men. It could be that they choose battles they're more likely to win, which can be good for the team.
Every team and every project is different. It's worth your while to consider the points made by Bronson and Merryman. Determine how they apply to your own teams.
Coffee might aid longevity
Coffee drinkers might live longer.
According to one study, they're less likely to die of heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, infections and even injuries. Here's why it happens:
At Tufts University's Antioxidants Research Center, they say it's possible that polyphenols have a protective effect. They also say that a simple cup of coffee contains a complex mix of biologically active and beneficial compounds, including polyphenols.
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