Inspirational Message

TOGETHER WE CAN DO MORE


When Coach Jack Stanton came to Bishop Ireton High School in 1967, he inherited a football program that had not won a game the previous year; in fact we had lost the last game of the season 69-0! We were a group of individuals, with some talent but no cohesiveness. Coach Stanton worked us very hard physically to be sure, but what he instilled within us was the intangible key. He molded us into a group of young men who had pride and believed in each other and that we could win if each player did his part. By seasons end we had won four games and tied a very good T.C. Williams team (a couple years before the “Remembering the Titans” team).


What is this intangible magic that enables a group of people to come together and accomplish much more than they could ever imagine? It is a concept called “synergy” which can be defined as the interaction of elements that, when combined, produce an effect that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. Let’s take a little quiz: If 2 horses can pull 9,000 pounds, how many pounds can 4 horses pull? If you did some quick math and said 18,000 pounds, you would be right mathematically but wrong in reality. Believe it or not, 4 horses can pull more than 30,000 pounds! Synergy is a joint action that increases the effectiveness of each member of the team. To function optimally, a team must be committed to a common vision and purpose, and it must be willing to work in unity for the good of the whole rather than the advancement of any one member.


Geese know the value of team work. When they fly in a V formation the updraft from the wings of the geese increases the efficiency of the flock by up to 71%. However, the lead goose does not experience much or any of this benefit and tires more easily. When the lead goose gets tired they fall back and others move up to take their turn at the front. Leaders need rest and encouragement in order to lead the team effectively (I’m told that the melodious honking sound we hear are actually encouraging sounds from the flock urging the leader onward).


Let me urge you to participate in Shaklee team in your area. Being together on phone conferences, internet presentations, and meetings will keep you energized and focused. You will experience that synergy and feel the “lift” of everyone pulling together in the same direction. By helping others on the team attain their goals we will be helped towards ours.



Let me also encourage you to take on a leadership capacity of some sort, I guarantee that the experience will make you stronger and enhance your business. Remember, if you hear some “honking” it is only us geese behind you urging you on.