Why Teamwork Still Matters

By Brad Borden, MD, Vice Chief of Staff at Cleveland Clinic and Chair of the Emergency Medicine Department at Main Campus

If there’s one thing emergency medicine has taught me, it’s that no one succeeds alone.

There’s no bigger team game in healthcare — or in any organization — than what happens when people come together to meet a challenge. Whether you’re caring for patients, supporting operations or leading from behind the scenes, teamwork is what keeps us moving forward.

Every day, I see how much we rely on one another to do our jobs well, stay calm under pressure and serve with empathy. The best teams aren’t built on titles or departments; they’re built on trust.

That mindset has carried us through some of the toughest years in modern healthcare. We’ve faced profound uncertainty, staffing shortages and new levels of stress.

What continues to inspire me is how caregivers across the organization rise to the occasion. We adapt. We keep showing up with respect for others and our profession, not because it’s easy, but because it matters.

As teams, we collaborate to create conditions where caregivers can thrive despite challenges. That means communicating clearly, recognizing effort, and helping each other acknowledge their connection to a shared purpose.

When we extend our collaboration between departments, we solve problems faster and make care better for everyone. Working as one team not only delivers better results; it builds stronger, more resilient people.

Key takeaways

• Show up for each other with professionalism. Even small gestures of support strengthen trust and morale.
• Lead with empathy. Understanding what your team is experiencing helps them feel seen and valued.
• Stay connected to purpose. Remind yourself — and others — why the work matters.
• Break down barriers. Collaboration across roles and departments leads to innovation and better outcomes.

In the end, teamwork isn’t just how we get the job done. It’s how we bring out the best in one another.

Think outward

Being self-aware and open to collaboration can help you bring your best self to your team. In addition, seek a deeper understanding of others to help you see and appreciate their perspectives.