Team Building Was Never About the Dinner

Last week, I took my team on a dinner cruise along the Han River.

Every quarter, I choose a few teammates to receive a small gift.

This July, it was a U.S. Marine Corps pin.

The Marines have a simple motto:

Semper Fidelis. Always Faithful.

Every Marine knows they can trust the person beside them with their life—and they know they are expected to be that person for someone else.

A company isn't a battlefield, of course.

But I've always believed that great teams are built on the same kind of trust.

When something goes wrong, no one should have to ask for help. Someone simply steps forward.

That's why I never give this pin to the highest performer.

I give it to the people who make everyone else feel more confident doing their job.

There was another surprise that evening.

It turned out one of our teammates was a magician.

Halfway through dinner, he casually started performing card tricks at the table, leaving everyone laughing and trying to figure out how he'd done them.

It reminded me that this is what makes a team interesting.

Some people solve impossible problems.

Some create unforgettable moments.

Some lead from the front.

Others quietly make sure no one falls behind.

Everyone contributes differently.

And that's exactly why a team becomes stronger.

Thank you to everyone who makes our team a little better every day.