Teamwork Volume 3

John Maxwell’s 17 Laws of Teamwork

LAW #3: THE LAW OF THE NICHE

Whether it’s a business, athletic team, or any other organization, teamwork is the most important ingredient when achieving success. Leadership expert John Maxwell, in his book The 17 Indisputable Laws of Leadership, outlines several aspects of teamwork, which he calls “Laws.”

The third law is The Law of the Niche. With this law, Maxwell, explains that “All players have a place where they add the most value.” He goes on to say that GOOD things happen when a player takes the place where he adds the most value. GREAT things, says Maxwell, happen when all of the players take a role that maximizes their strengths.

There is a two part responsibility in this concept. The first is the responsibility of the coach to identify the “niche” of each player on his team. The second responsibility is for the player to assume his coach-given role and pour his heart into that task.

Teammates must learn this:

• Be secure in your role
• Trust your coach’s judgment for your role
• Become a “master” at your trade (position)
• Stay focused on team goals (Law of the Big Picture)

So put your personal preferences AFTER the team’s goals. Find your niche, and make the team better – your focus should be TEAM VICTORIES!