The Power of Teamwork: A Lesson from Steve Jobs
[Editors note: The insights captured in this post were originally written for my LinkedIn Community in 2024, resulting from a consulting engagement I was responsible for delivering after my time at LifeLabs.]
June 2024
Yesterday, I sat in a meeting where a small group of us were debating opportunities for growth. The room was filled with passion, ideas, and—at times—visible frustration. Reflecting on that conversation today, I came across a post that perfectly captured what we were experiencing.
Steve Jobs once used a powerful analogy to describe teamwork. He compared it to a rock tumbler—a machine that takes rough, unpolished stones, spins them together, and, through friction, movement, and time, transforms them into something smooth and brilliant.
This resonates deeply with me. Great teams aren’t just a collection of individuals—they are shaped by the friction of diverse perspectives, the willingness to challenge ideas, and the trust to engage in honest debate. The best ideas don’t emerge from perfect harmony; they come from the dynamic push and pull of collaboration.
For innovation to thrive, teams need a foundation of trust, respect, and psychological safety—a space where people feel empowered to present opposing viewpoints, refine each other’s ideas, and, in the process, grow together.
So, the next time a discussion gets messy or uncomfortable, let’s remember that friction isn’t the enemy—it’s the force that polishes us. Lean into the process, embrace the challenges, and trust that the best ideas are shaped through the work we do together.
Watch the video to hear Steve Jobs share this insightful analogy.
Let’s keep refining, together. 🪨🤝💡✨
#Leadership #Teamwork #Innovation #PsychologicalSafety #GrowthMindset