The Myth Of Teamwork: Why Your Best Work Might Happen When You're Alone

The way we work has evolved dramatically over the centuries. Windowless cubicles, 24-7 expected availability, and a massive shift into technology sectors are a few obvious new developments, but one of the lesser discussed evolutions is a switch from individual to collaborative work.

Today, many people spend 85% or more of their time each week in collaborative work.

Historically, individual work – whether it was farming or skilled craftsmanship – was the norm. Craftsmen honed their skills in solitude, and farmers toiled alone or with minimal assistance. Fast forward to today, and collaboration is often hailed as the cornerstone of productivity and innovation. But is this emphasis on collaboration always beneficial? And how do millennials and Gen Z stack up against it?

From Solitude to Teamwork

In centuries past, much work was done in isolation. The focus was on craftsmanship and self-reliance, and there was a clear sense of ownership over your work and a direct connection between effort and reward. 

Of course there were times when collaboration played a role, such as during harvest or a barn raising, but for the most part, work was a more solitary event.

It wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution that we saw a turning point, when large-scale factories and assembly lines required coordination and teamwork. The 20th century saw the rise of office work and a cultural shift toward collaborative work. 

According to Context, 75% of the working population will be millennials by 2025, and millennials have even been coined “the collaboration generation.”

But I’ll be the first to admit it: I don’t work best with others. I’m not great at collaborating or sifting through opinions and directives. I want to pull my hair out at group meetings. Media personality Fulton Sheen once said if you want nothing to get done, call in a committee. 

So my question is: Why do I feel so guilty about not being a team player? 

The Case for Collaboration

In recent decades, collaboration has become synonymous with success in many industries. Companies have embraced open plan offices, team-based projects, and brainstorming sessions as ways to foster creativity and efficiency. Even individual Gen Z and millennial workers seek out coworking spaces, which often provide the feeling of being on a team when you’re actually working solo.

The general case for collaboration is that diverse perspectives and collective problem-solving lead to better outcomes. This collaborative ethos is evident in the prevalence of team-based structures and the rise of technologies designed to enhance communication and cooperation.

However, while collaboration can drive progress, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The idea that collaboration is universally beneficial has led to the marginalization of those who thrive in solitary work environments. Like me.

This emphasis on group work sometimes results in the undervaluation of individual work styles and a tendency to overlook the fact that not everyone performs their best in a group setting. 

A FlexJobs survey found that 76% of remote workers (who often work individually) report higher job satisfaction than those who work in traditional office settings, with autonomy and flexibility being significant contributing factors. And, according to Fiverr, 70% of Gen Z are currently freelancing or plan to in the future. Why? They want to be their own boss.

The Individual Work Dilemma

Many people, perhaps even most of us, have experienced the frustrations associated with collaborative work. 

Take a second and think back to the days when your teacher dished out a new assignment. When she announced that it would be a group project, what was your response? Did you interiorly groan, knowing you’d have to sacrifice your grade because someone else wouldn’t step up? Would you have to take control and lead? Would you have to sit and let it draw out for three times longer than it would have taken you if you went at it yourself?

Think about the sports that you were most attracted to. While several of them instill the value of teamwork at a young age, some are more focused on the individual, such as track and field, tennis, and skating. 

Or consider the workplace scenarios where too many voices and opinions can lead to progress stalling as consensus is sought. When do you lose your peace most frequently at work? 

For some, working alone is not just a preference but a necessity for optimal performance. These individuals might find that their best ideas come when they have uninterrupted time and space to think deeply and work at their own pace. Yet, in a culture that increasingly prioritizes teamwork, those who prefer solitary work may feel pressured to conform or face the stigma of being labeled "not a team player."

Of course, we can always seek out jobs that cater more to individualized work, but you don’t need me to tell you that, often, various circumstances keep us from pursuing what we want. Maybe we need to make a certain salary, or maybe our rural location only offers so many opportunities. The point is that it may be hard to escape this new trend of collaborative work.

A Possible Shift Back?

But there’s hope for us individuals who prefer work for what it was for most of history.

The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated a reevaluation of how and where we work. Remote work became a widespread reality, and many people experienced a renewed appreciation for solitary work environments. With the flexibility to design their own schedules and workspaces, individuals could find their rhythm without the constant presence of colleagues popping by every second to inquire if you got their email. 

The pandemic highlighted the value of solitary work for productivity and well-being. As companies reconsider their post-pandemic work models, we may see a more balanced approach that recognizes the merits of both collaboration and individual work.

We’re also seeing a massive rise in individualistic culture, despite this upward trend of collaboration. While this movement is increasingly alarming, it does at least contribute to this potential shift back to privatized employment.

What Does This All Say About You?

So does this make you a terrible person? I mentioned feeling guilty above, but now it’s easy to see why we might have such a response when we fail to meet society’s new golden standard in the workplace. 

Being an individual who works best alone doesn’t necessarily make you an introvert. Nor does it imply that you can’t work with people – it simply means you can’t work best with people. 

But it’s important to understand why this is the case. Do you struggle with control issues? Are you avoiding addressing serious clinical issues, such as social anxiety? Or maybe, as mentioned above, you simply demonstrate better skills and focus when going at it solo and find it to be fulfilling and enriching work.

The key to a successful work environment is acknowledging and accommodating diverse work styles. Not everyone thrives in a collaborative setting, and that's okay. Organizations that understand this can create hybrid models that offer space for both collaborative and individual work. This approach can lead to a more inclusive and effective work culture.

While collaboration has become a hallmark of modern work culture, it’s essential to remember the historical context and value of individual work. As we navigate the future of work, embracing a balanced approach that honors both collaborative and solitary work styles may lead to more productive and satisfying work experiences for everyone.