Generational Gems for Future Leaders Harry K. Jones on 01 Sep 2010
When Do We Learn the True Value of Teamwork?
TEAMWORK … I’ve been exposed to that word, that concept, that strategy … for as long as I can remember. I’m sure you have as well.
It probably started for me as a Cub Scout and gained momentum as I grew into a Boy Scout. It was emphasized even more as I played high school football, basketball, and baseball. As I entered the military, it was immediately reframed as a critical life and death strategy.
After decades in the business world, I can safely say I’ve heard it mentioned most every week of my life. However, I often wonder if it hasn’t simply become a necessary “buzz word” that we’ve taken for granted and learned to ignore.
We see almost daily examples of the importance of TEAMWORKÂ and the positive consequences which result. And yet, far too many organizations have relegated its importance at a time when it could easily mean the difference between success and failure for everyone involved! I wonder what those organizations are focusing on which is so much more important than developing TEAMWORK.
While I’m encouraged by the increasing number of requests for keynotes and seminars on the subject of TEAMWORK, I feel far too many organizations fail to realize the true need for TEAMWORK as anything more than a “buzz word.”
We even see revealing examples involving simple wildlife and yet fail to benefit from the obvious lessons provided for us. I was recently sitting with a close friend on my deck overlooking the lake as we witnessed a flock of geese flying by in perfect formation.
It immediately brought back memories of an age-old anecdote I’ve heard time and time again. I’m sure you’ve heard it as well. The question is: “Did you learn anything from the narrative? Did you apply the lesson to gain its obvious benefits? Did you close the “Knowing-Doing” Gap?
You might want to revisit this Generational Gem and even share it with those you currently team with. It’s a short video but offers a valuable lesson for us in today’s challenging, rapidly changing, chaotic environment.
Harry K. Jones is a
professional, motivational
speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of motivational speakers who provide custom-designed keynote presentations, seminars, and consulting services.
Harry has appeared all over North America addressing topics such as change,
customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership,
stress management, teamwork and time management for a number of industries,
including education, financial, government, healthcare, hospitality, and
manufacturing. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2MAX or fill out our contact form.
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As though we didn’t have enough to worry about with challenges from the economy, foreign affairs, war, jobs, immigration, and politics, do we really need the burden brought about by relationships? I’m talking about those connections with friends, family, loved ones, neighbors, and co-workers. They’re certainly many and varied, demanding skills and strategies that many of us have not been exposed to.
The other friend replied, “When someone hurts us we should write it down in sand where winds of forgiveness can erase it away. But, when someone does something good for us, we must engrave it in stone where no wind can ever erase it.”
How many times have we heard the old adage about successful partnerships having to be 50/50? Seems like forever. However, if we’d take just a moment to pause and really think about it … we’ve been misguided!
Before we know it, the other person in our relationship recognizes our commitment and contribution, appreciates it and identifies it as unique in today’s world and chooses to take responsibility as well. All of a sudden our 100/0 relationship transforms into a 100/100!
Last week, I shared 
With the sun and the water,
It’s somewhat ironic that I seem busier today than I have been at any time in my life … and yet I find more time for reflection than ever before. I guess it’s because I make the time to do so, realizing its importance at this point in my life.
Loyalty appears to be going the way of the dinosaur or the dial telephone. Think about it. Loyalty has changed drastically in so many areas of our lives.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including the loyal boyfriend she loved so much. Her boyfriend asked her, “Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?” The girl was shocked when she discovered that her boyfriend was blind too … and she refused to marry him!
A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell. He painted a sign advertising the four pups and nailed it to a post on the edge of his yard. As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls. He looked down into the eyes of a wide-eyed little boy.
Looking back up at the farmer, he said, “You see, sir, I don’t run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.”
Are you creative?
I love and appreciate the responsibility and opportunity of mentoring today’s young people. However, I often find examples that so many of today’s younger generations are setting examples that we, as their seniors, should certainly emulate.
