"Leadership is based on inspiration, not domination; on cooperation, not intimidation." - William Arthur Ward

Getting cooperation from your assistants and subordinates is critical if you want to reach the organization's goal and mission. The presence of stiff competitions among employees will not encourage them to work together.

Each one will have a tendency to become selfish for personal gains. This will lead to lack of trust among them and the unwillingness to help one another. Unless you take some constructive measures and correct the problem, your frustration will persist due to the group's rivalry.

So how do you gain cooperation and promote teamwork?

• Analyze.

You need to take things apart. Pay attention to what is going on and observe how everyone is behaving. Examine your own approach. What kind or support, reward or rules do you provide? Are your strategies encouraging unity among them? Do you undermine anyone who does not perform in the presence of others?

• Become the model of change.

The people you work with observe your actions and attitudes and they usually follow your example. Honestly analyze your style of leadership and see if you have in any way contributed to the situation. If you do find something that you need to correct, make the shift and become a model of change.

• Redefine the organization's goal and mission.

Maybe the people in your organization have a vague picture of the desired goal. If they only see the future of the company without them in it, they will not give their full support to make it succeed. Help them open their minds to see that the future of the company depends on each individual's effort that are joined together in harmony.

• Involve them.

Plan out a program that will benefit everyone as a result of mutual efforts. Involve all of them in solving a problem or developing new ideas or concepts through brainstorming. Allow each one to contribute and listen to what they have to say. Build trust by keeping to your words and show integrity through your character.

• Encourage.

Help the people you work with to realize their strengths and see their potentials. Encourage them to work on their personal growths and acquire self-mastery. You may have to face some resistance initially from some but give them a chance to get familiar. If you continue to encourage trust, compassion and passion among them, you will find that soon everyone will become cooperative and respect one another.

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