Teams always achieve more

You will always be able to achieve far more when you work together as a unified and supportive team,  you will not only be more effective and efficient as a valued member of a team, but you will also develop great relationships with people that matter and who support each other. Research has also shown that committed members of any team who really support each other and work towards achieving a meaningful outcome, are far more satisfied and content, they are happy and enjoy going to work with their fellow team members every day.

When ducks fly in formation they are able to fly 75 % further than if they flew alone. As they all fly in the typical arrow formation, each duck that flaps its wings, causes an updraft for the bird that is following behind. This updraft is perpetuated right down the entire arrow formation. As in any successful team, each duck takes their fair share of the load and as the leading duck gets tired, it gradually fades into the V formation, where it can rest as it is carried along by the updraft of the other ducks wings. Another duck then moves to the front of the formation and takes the lead until it too gets tired and then the cycle repeats.

We can learn a lot from ducks, who are able to fly distances of thousands of kilometres every year, a feat that is not achieved as effortlessly by any other species on earth. They are able to achieve this feat for one reason only and that is TEAMWORK. The support that ducks offer to each other as each duck (team member) delivers their part turns an almost impossible task, into something achievable. We can also achieve similar results, where the accumulation of all our joint efforts, as contributive members of our team, adds up to significant results. This can easily and consistently be achieved if every team member meets their commitment to the team. 

We all like to feel secure and that we belong to an organisation that protects us and provides a supportive environment. We all want to feel like we are an important part of something of value and to be a valued member of a team that supports us and gives us a sense of purpose. We are also driven to achieve more and to live closer to our greater potential, when we are part of a supportive team. People are driven to do more for the recognition of the people around them, than they will ever do for their own satisfaction. A great, supportive team environment, where people feel like they are working towards a purpose that is bigger than themselves, is one of the most effective ways to draw the best from people.

To use this powerful force associated with belonging, teamwork and a sense of community effectively, we must create a supportive environment that offers real security and meaning to all team members and clearly communicate the vision of the group on a regular basis to every team member. The leadership must cast a crystal clear vision of where the team is headed and constantly support, encourage all team members to help them support and share the common vision.

Teams are all about community, where every member strives to encourage every other team member, to support each other to consistently perform at their best. The success of every individual will in turn uplift the performance of the team as a whole. The more people you help to get what they want, the more people will help you to get what you want.

Author: Andrew Horton Motivational Speakers