GMAT考试写作指导：Issue写作范文三六

　　The relationship between teamwork and individual strength, energy, and

　　commitment is complex; whether they operate in a complementary or antagonistic

　　manner depends on: the goals toward which the traits are directed, the degree of

　　emphasis on teamwork, and the job of the individual within an organization.

　　A persons ability to work effectively in a team is not in consistent per se with

　　personal strength, energy, and commitment. If exercised in a self-serving manngr―for

　　example, through pilfering or back stabbing―these traits can operate against the

　　organization. Conversely, if directed toward the firms goals, these traits can motivate

　　other team members, thereby advancing common goals. World War II generals Patton

　　and Rommel understood this point and knew how to bring out the best individual

　　qualities in their troops, while at the same time instilling a strong sense of team and

　　common purpose.

　　Nevertheless, over-emphasizing teamwork can be counterproductive for an

　　organization. A successful team requires both natural leaders and natural followers;

　　otherwise, a team will accomplish little. Undue emphasis on teamwork may quell

　　initiative among natural leaders, thereby thwarting team goals. Also, teamwork can be

　　overemphasized with a commissioned sales force of highly competitive and autonomic

　　individuals. Overemphasis on teamwork here might stifle healthy competition, thereby

　　defeating a firms objectives. In other organizational areas, however, teamwork is

　　critical. For example, a product-development team must progress in lock-step fashion

　　toward common goals, such as meeting a rollout deadline.

　　In sum, individual strength, commitment, and energy can complement a strong

　　team approach; as long as individual autonomy is not undermined, all can operate in a

　　synergistic manner to achieve an organizations goals.