May 23. 2018
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results. ”
- Andrew Carnegie
I’m pretty sure you’ve already noticed that geese returning from the south in the spring fly in a V-formation. The strategy, which protects the weakest and allows each bird to take advantage of the airflow created by its wingmate in front, allows the flock to travel 70% faster than if each member undertook this great voyage solo.
For geese and for humans, cohesion within a team is crucial. Throughout my career, I have seen examples of this everywhere in the sports and business world: the strength and potential of the group. la force et le potentiel du groupe.
For example, during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, my team won the gold in the 4 X 100 metre relay. No matter what the results each runner had achieved previously, no matter that Donovan Bailey was the greatest sprinter in the world, we each had to give our 110%. Each of us held the same importance on the team. If it wasn’t for the combined efforts and respective strengths of each, there would not have been a gold medal.
That’s why when I take on something new, I am constantly looking to surround myself with people I can trust, and whose ambition and drive matches my own. Thanks to our common values and goals, each member of my team challenges me to push myself even harder and do the very best I can.
To establish a strong sense of teamwork within my troops, I try to keep a few things in mind. First, that team cohesion cannot be improvised. You need to build mutual trust between teammates, and allow them to understand their respective strengths, weaknesses and interests, both inside and outside of work. This knowledge and comradeship becomes an opportunity to define shared goals and cultivate mutual respect.
No human being possesses all the qualities needed to obtain the best results alone. Even the greatest athletes and entrepreneurs rely on a team that helps them manage their time better, stay on top of new trends and foster a mindset to ensure they achieve their best performance.
Alone, we go faster. Together, we go farther.
Go get it!
Bruny.
