Here is another way to look at groups vs. teams.

Someone who has power over you can make you be a group - but no one has the power to make you be a team!

Becoming a team is an emotional and spiritual choice that you - and only you - can make. That is true in your family, your workplace, your athletic activities and your religion.

The challenge for any team leader or coach then, is to create a context in which children, employees, worshippers, athletes - or any kind of participant - chooses to give themselves emotionally and spiritually to the team and its cause. This depth of connection and collaboration is the deeper connection that makes things happen.

Teams are the result of a choice and the greater the challenge the team assumes, the deeper the emotional and spiritual commitment needs to be.

After all, no one talks about group spirit - groups don't need spirit. It's team spirit that we long for.

Standing on the center podium, the champion doesn't say, "I'd like to thank my group" - she thanks her team!

And because of the dramatic difference between these levels, you'll see that this book is written from the emotional and spiritual perspectives, not the political or intellectual.

It has to be written that way, because "team" is a word of hope. It's a hope that, if even just for a moment, we can soar above the reach of separation.

Wouldn't it be grand if we could experience a supreme unity with each other and with our universe? No more energy spent in suspicion and defensiveness, no more anger aimed at our differences, no confusion about our purpose together?

What would a business pay for an experience like that? My guess is anything!

How many families, now torn apart by the lack of love, can only dream about such unity?

What would it be worth to the world economic community (never mind the humanitarian community) to have all the nations relating in mutual respect and purpose?

This book boldly declares that it is all possible!

Since the whole concept of true teamwork is grounded on a spiritual commitment, and if the very idea of it came directly and originally from God, I have wondered what directions, or coaching, he would give us on how to act like an emotionally and spiritually connected team.

I have tried to reflect what I think God's perspective might be as he looks down on how we collaborate within our families, schools, sports leagues, houses of worship, and places of business.

These "11 Commandments for an Enthusiastic Team" came to me many years ago, back in the mid seventies, I think. I have used them in team-building speeches and seminars around the world and in numerous industries and cultures.

Whether it was in the Far East, Europe, North America, or wherever - they seemed to strike a deep and universal chord with people.

With each presentation I explored their implications more deeply hoping to find better ways to teach them. Consequently "The 11 Commandments" became a torch that I carry and share everywhere.

To write about collaborative teamwork is like trying to convey to others how much you love your spouse by showing them pictures of your wedding. To truly feel the miracle of teamwork, you have to be part of it, not an observer.

I have given you the tools in this book, but it is only by putting them into action that you will discover the miracle for yourself.

I hope you and your teammates will find strength and encouragement in what you will read. Teamwork is not a convenience or even a strategy. It is a way to live life to the fullest. It is a way to find your purpose and meaning.

Part 1

Copyright © - Ian Percy. This article is an excerpt from "The 11 Commandments for an Enthusiastic Team: Collaborating With Purpose and Passion" by Ian Percy. This incredible book comes as a gift set and includes an audio CD of Ian giving this presentation live - all bound into an embossed sleeve. Contact your local bookstore or go to www.IanPercy.com where you can order it securely online.

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The 11 Commandments for an Enthusiastic Team - Ian Percy, CSP - Finally this inspirational message is available as a gift book and includes a 60 minute "live" audio CD of Ian presenting this famous program! Larry's Review: Incredible! The best I've read about creating team. Everyone who networks, collaborates, builds community, etc., should have this book and CD combo. Truly a masterpiece!

The 7 Secrets to a Life of Meaning - Ian D. Percy, CSP - Once again, Ian Percy has written a book filled with remarkable wisdom, insight and, of course, his trademark humor. This amazing book will help you discover, connect with, and manifest your real purpose on this earth. Build a life filled with passion and purpose! Larry's Review: - Ian Percy is one of my favorite "Top 10" speakers. His words are sprinkled with the flavor of passion; the ingredient that can inspire us to intergrate more spirituality into our personal lives and our relationships. Highly recommended.

Going Deep: Exploring Spirituality in Life and Leadership - Ian D. Percy, CSP - "Going Deep" is a powerful and penetrating book that reconnects readers to joy, meaning and spirituality in life and work. In particular it challenges leaders to understand that until they focus as much on "Why?" as they do on "How?" they will never release the full potential of their organization. Never before has a business book reached so deeply into the human soul - and with such humor. Larry's Review: - Every business leader should read this book! Powerful and compelling. It's about time the true secrets to success in business be revealed. Highly recommended.

•  If you would like to talk one-on-one with Larry James about relationship issues related to this article, you are invited to arrange for a private coaching session by telephone. Go to Networking Coaching for specific details.