"Shared values define the team." This principle addresses the importance of common beliefs and principles in team cohesion. Educational leaders must cultivate shared values that align with institutional mission and educational philosophy.
The 13th Law of Teamwork according to Maxwell is **The Law of Identity**, which states that **"Shared values define the team."**
This law emphasizes that effective teams are built upon a foundation of common beliefs, principles, and values that all members embrace and uphold. Maxwell argues that without shared values, team members lack the cohesive force that binds them together and guides their decision-making processes.
Key aspects of The Law of Identity include:
**Core Principle**: Teams achieve their highest potential when members share fundamental beliefs about what is important, how work should be conducted, and what standards should be maintained.
**Practical Applications**:
- Values serve as decision-making criteria when team members face difficult choices
- Shared values create predictability in team member behavior
- Common values reduce conflict and increase trust among team members
- Values act as a filtering mechanism for team membership and behavior
**Educational Leadership Context**: In educational settings, this law is particularly relevant as school teams must share core values about student learning, educational equity, professional conduct, and institutional mission. When faculty and staff share these fundamental beliefs, they can work more effectively together toward common educational goals.
Maxwell emphasizes that values cannot be imposed from the outside but must be genuinely embraced by team members to be effective. Leaders play a crucial role in identifying, articulating, and reinforcing these shared values throughout the organization.
