Listening to "Biblioshika" (Broadcast June 1, 2024) — Thinking about the essence of teamwork.

I listened to the radio program "Biblioshika" (broadcast June 1, 2024) via radiko while stuck in traffic. The theme this time was "Teamwork". Based on the book "Rugby-Style 'Human Growth'" supervised by the Japan Rugby League One, the discussion covered ways of thinking to achieve results as a team.

The program began with the usual icebreaker. The topic was "Where do you read?" Various opinions flew about, such as the library crowd, the bath crowd, and the crowd that removes the book cover, but I am definitely in the bath reading crowd. I read everything from "The Three-Body Problem" to business books in the bathtub. The busier I am, the more time spent immersed in a book refreshes me.

In the library talk, the "Hiroo Central Library" near Keyakizaka was introduced, noting that it is an open-shelf library where you can spend time in comfort. I thought I would like to drop by there with my child on a weekend sometime.

On to the topic of teamwork

Now, regarding the main topic of "teamwork." In the program, they compared the meaning of individual roles and coordination based on the number of players in different sports.

• Rugby: 15 players

• Soccer: 11 players

• Baseball: 9 players

• Basketball: 5 players

It seems that the fewer the players in a sport, the more individual strength is required. The NBA is truly a world of "super individual skill." Soccer also has standout figures like Junya Ito and Kaoru Mitoma, and specialists for each role, like the destroyer-type player Wataru Endo.

Rugby is also a sport where roles are clearly divided by position. Listening to the program brought back memories of when my alma mater competed at Hanazono. Because the person who forms the scrum and the person who passes the ball each fulfill their own duties, the whole functions as one. That is truly the power of a team.

What is needed for a project team

In the program, the following were listed as the "three elements necessary to build an ideal team."

1. Admit defeat (know the current situation)

2. Do not create "losers" within the team (avoid shifting blame)

3. Balance competition and cooperation

This balance is extremely difficult. In particular, "admitting defeat while not creating a villain" is a dilemma that often occurs in organizations.

Also, what was impressive was this quote from Shu Yamaguchi:

The common "ONE for ALL, ALL for ONE" is often translated as "One for the team, all for one," but that can sometimes cause the team to spin its wheels. The essence is that the team functions **"for the sake of victory."** This was an eye-opener for me.

Even in a business setting, the perspective of 'Is this action bringing us closer to victory—to results?' is indispensable. A team that is just friendly is meaningless; the key is whether they share a purpose and are moving toward it.

Connecting to practice

This way of thinking also applies to the project team I am involved in. I believe that being conscious of how my actions affect the team's results—and whether they lead to sales or value—is the foundation of trust and collaboration.

And then, the discussion about 'What is a good pass?' was impressive.

This is a mindset I also want to convey in youth soccer. It is not about technique, but about teaching childrenpurpose-driven thinking. Every action exists 'to win' or 'for the sake of results'.

Conclusion

The word 'teamwork' tends to be associated with 'friendliness' or 'harmony' first, but after listening to this broadcast, I felt once again that a 'true team' is a 'group that moves for the sake of victory'.

I want to continue enjoying working in a team while reviewing my own way of working every day to see if I am moving toward results.