The first F.W. Woolworth store opened in Utica, New York, in 1879. By the time I was growing up there, it had become a full department store—complete with a lunch counter, a record section, and even a pet department featuring dozens of varieties of birds. Riding the bus downtown with friends to have lunch at Woolworth’s was a memorable experience.
What impressed me most was the number of employees, all working together with a singular focus on customer service. That early exposure showed me the power of teamwork in action.
In my career in hospitality, I have learned that the best teamwork occurs when individuals work independently yet in harmony toward a shared goal. This type of collaboration does not happen by chance. Leaders must introduce the concept, train employees to deliver it seamlessly, coach them to perform effectively, and continually monitor progress.
At this stage, effective leaders either recognize employees for doing things right or provide coaching and additional practice to help them meet expectations. Focus and feedback serve as the bookends of effective teamwork. By consistently providing both, leaders create the conditions for exceptional service through teamwork today.
James Cash Penney Jr. (1875 – 1971): American businessman and entrepreneur who founded the JCPenney stores in 1902.
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