I was at a conference at Henley Business School, on the Thames, a couple of days ago and had a very useful day. The learning was top notch with good speakers and many thoughts that inspired new thinking. The variety of fellow attendees was as good as ever too, with some people flying in just for the day. I always think when that happens there is some serious commitment to their own continuing professional development.
During the day we had plenty of time to share thoughts with others who had attended but sadly not everyone, as there were about 80 people.
At the end of the day, after the sessions had ended, we went for a late afternoon boat trip on the river – well the world famous Henley Regatta was taking place – and far too good an opportunity to miss on such a wonderful summer day! The picture you see is of one of the races with what are called ‘coxed eights’ which got me thinking about an excerpt from a book I use when working with teams. It is as follows:
“I used to say that an English team was a contradiction and a paradox, a paradox best illustrated by a rowing eight on the river. There are eight people going backwards as fast as they can without speaking to each other. Steering is in the hands of the one person who cannot row, because you put a chap in charge who cannot do the job…..”
On hearing this, an Olympic oarsman commented:
“How do you think we can go backwards so fast without talking to each other, unless we know each other terribly well, unless we have total confidence in each other’s ability to do the job we are supposed to do, including that little chap who can’t row, who is steering, unless we are all absolutely dedicated to getting to the end of the course before anybody else does, and winning the race.
….If you know each other very well and trust each other completely then you do not have to talk while you are doing the job. Everybody can get on with the job in hand. This gives you total commitment to the common goal.”
The search for meaning – Charles Handy
So:
-
How well do you know each other in your team?
- How good is your trust?
- Do you play to strengths?
- In fact what are the strengths everyone has?
There are some great ways to enhance your leadership skills, your professional development, and gain a greater insight into team development. Is now a good time, I would be delighted to offer some thoughts.
My best wishes,
Peter
