United We Stand, Divided We Fall

It does not matter if you are a professional sporting team, a corporate team or part of a military team, it doesn’t take much for one individual to wander off, do their own thing and the strength and bond of the team weakens.

The heading of today’s newsletter comes from Aesop, a Greek storyteller who’s numerous fables have been told for centuries. The one below dates back some 2500 years ago and is still relevant in the corporate world in this day and age.

 A Lion used to prowl about a field in which Four Oxen used to dwell.

Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near they turned their tails to one another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them.

At last, however, they fell a-quarreling among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in a separate corner of the field.

Then the Lion attacked them one by one and soon made an end of all four.

When our troops are overseas on operations and under attack, we have certain formations that we would form as part of our standard operation procedures (SOP’s).

It wasn't the F88 Steyr rifles with built-in 1.5x optical sights that make the soldier a formidable force, it was standing back to back. When you feel that someone has your back, there is a feeling of safety and trust.

Standing side by side or back to back allows you to protect the person in front, to the side and behind you. It is the alliance and trust that count, not the weapons. It is about making the people next to you feel safer and your willingness to sacrifice yourself for your mate. 

This mindset enables us to feel safe, to know that the person next to us has our back, to know that they would try and protect us if danger ever approached. 

When we have this level of trust and our peers and leaders make us feel safe, we focus on our jobs and how we can offer greater value to the customer; or produce a superior product rather than spending valuable time covering our arses and indulging in gossip.

Concentrate on what is inside your organisation, the things that you can control and that are variables, and watch how your team work, your work rate, team synergy and productivity increases. 

I want to leave you with a quick question to ponder this week:

Have you been guilty of wondering off and doing your own thing at times this year?

What needs to change in your organisation for you to be a better team member in 2017?

Are you aware that the best discussions happen after you read this email? 

I would love to know your thoughts and if you have anything you wish to add to this weeks post.....

If you would like more information about improving teamwork or leadership within your organisation, drop me a line an I will share my recently completed white paper with you.......https://beyoubegreat.com.au/get-in-touch/

Don't hit and run! If you have enjoyed this weeks newsletter, share the love by clicking and sharing with your team.

Have a great week ahead.

Ritch