President's Article "Serving our Members with purpose and passion..." By George F. Nagy, C.P.M., President NAPM-Orange County, Inc. Affiliated with the Institute of Supply Management

How do you respond when asked to to something that is outside of your personal comfort zone? What if you have not been adequately trained, or that it is contrary to your nature? If you are clever, you will seek advice and training. If you are lucky, you’ll be a member of a well-organized team.

Today there is a great emphasis on teamwork and the team approach in the business operating environment. Yet, very few of us have been properly trained, or are used to operating in such a way.

Throughout our development into adults, many of us have been taught the virtues of individualism. Heroes are the individuals who take charge and save the day. Can you imagine Superman or Superwoman on a committee? We admire the lone cowboy who cleans up the town and then rides off into the sunset. History books, comic books and folklore place these extraordinary individuals on a pedestal, extolling their achievements, and making them an example for those who follow.

We remember the Quarterback on the football team, or the receiver who caught the ball. How many headlines post the name of the lineman or blockers responsible for giving the Quarterback the time to throw, or the receiver to catch? Whether meeting company objectives or striving towards a championship, it is the strength of the team, not the single individual, that usually makes the difference.

In business as in sports, not all teams are alike. Ideally a team provides opportunities for each member to present and trade ideas. That options can be explored and discussed before a consensus is reached and an action plan is developed. The strengths of each member are utilized while weaknesses are strengthened by the example and mentoring of teammates. Does it work? Yes. Is it easy? Not always.

The team environment is generally a complex one that goes beyond the task. Not only does the team have to come up with a solution, to solve a problem, or reach a conclusion; but also it has to be done in an atmosphere of consensus and agreement. This is very difficult to do within the framework of diverse personalities, their training, cross-functional knowledge, specific personal agendas and the individual’s need for personal recognition.

At NAPM-OC the opportunity exists to expand your training in a group environment. We have many committees that meet as a team, and contribute to the success of the association. The teams employ the various skills and knowledge of its members to solve problems, invent new strategies, and help create goals and objectives for the organization. All that you will learn about group dynamics, team functions, decision making, interpersonal relations and the general steerage of an organization, can be transferred to your workplace and improve your career options. The opportunity to join a committee at NAPM-OC allows you to spend as much time as you desire, or as little time as you can, learning about modern business methodologies and how to function effectively in the team environment.

Please feel free to contact us and let us know which team you would like to participate in Administration, Communications, Educational Resources, Finance, Marketing, Membership or Website. You can contact Chuck at the office or the individual committee chairs, directors, or call me.