Imagine this scenario: You’ve just hired a new team member, James. He’s brilliant at his job, delivering top-notch work and getting results, but there’s a catch—James is used to working independently, always focusing on his personal success rather than the success of the team. He’s never really had to rely on others. His previous work environments didn’t prioritize collaboration, and now, it’s showing in how he interacts with his new colleagues.

James’ behavior isn’t uncommon. Many high-performing employees come from backgrounds where individual achievement is celebrated over teamwork. But as a leader, you know that true success in any organization relies on the strength of the team, not just the brilliance of one person.

Take a company like Netflix as an example. Their culture is built around collaboration, openness, and constant feedback. Employees are encouraged to share ideas freely and work together to find the best solutions, regardless of individual roles. When someone like James joins that kind of culture, they quickly learn that their personal success is tied to the team’s collective success. And when the team wins, everyone wins.

So how do you help James adjust? Start by giving him opportunities to experience the benefits of teamwork firsthand. Pair him with different team members on collaborative projects, ensuring that he’s not just responsible for his tasks, but also for supporting his colleagues. This allows him to see how much more can be achieved when everyone is pulling in the same direction.

The change won’t happen overnight. But as James starts to see the positive results from working with others, he’ll begin to shift his mindset. He’ll understand that being part of a successful team is just as rewarding as individual accolades—if not more. Your role as a leader is to guide him through this process, showing him that the value of collaboration goes beyond just getting the job done; it’s about building a lasting culture of support and shared success.

Ultimately, when James embraces teamwork, he’ll not only improve his own performance but also contribute to the growth and strength of the entire team.

Best,

Yigal

P.S. Every team has a "James" at some point—someone who needs help seeing the bigger picture. By guiding them toward a team-first mentality, you’re not only helping them grow but setting your team up for long-term success.

Whenever you're ready, here's how I can help you:

1.Download your copy of the Unlock The Leader E-Book.

Get your hands on our free eBook to master the 10 keys and strategies that have helped over 100+ business leaders to succeed.

CLICK HERE to get instant access.

2.Join the Legion of Leaders Community

—a powerful, FREE community for leaders looking to step up their game and make an impact.

CLICK HERE to join for free.