Want a great partnership - Be the Oar!

As a 40-something male I am required to love the films of David Fincher. One of his very best movies is 2010's "The Social Network", which depicts the early days of Facebook and the controversy surrounding the companies' founding. One of my favorite scenes is where the Winklevoss twins are racing in the Henley Royal Regatta. As they row in perfect synchronization, they’re not just pushing for a win—they’re representing discipline, tradition, and a relentless drive to reach their goal. It is a great metaphor about the how in the race for product adoption, seconds matter. It also serves the plot as the sting of losing prompts the "Winklevii" to seek legal action against Mark Zuckerberg

Watching it this past weekend I had another take away, stay with me on this one; this scene serves as a metaphor for business partnerships: When two companies partner everyone is in the same boat, with the goal of winning the race together, but are you truly doing your part to move it forward?

Many of us gravitate toward the “Coxswain” role, setting direction and calling shots. And while strategy and guidance are essential, genuine progress often comes from those who embody the “oar”—the piece that’s actively powering the movement and producing real momentum.

In partnerships, being the oar means rolling up our sleeves, immersing ourselves in the work, and adding true value. It’s about tangible impact, where every effort directly contributes to the outcome. The most successful partnerships have both vision and momentum, but it’s the oar that translates vision into action, stroke by stroke.

As we build our teams and partnerships, let’s ask ourselves: Are we setting direction from the back or pushing forward with every stroke? Because true success isn’t just about guiding the boat—it’s about being the engine that propels it. When it comes to creating a great partnership - Be the oar!

#Leadership #Teamwork #BusinessGrowth #TheSocialNetwork #Partnerships #businessdevelopment