A Team: A place where strength and weakness interchange.

Ever wonder why athletics would never be as popular as football or basketball? Well, I have a theory. It is the display of teamwork that attracts many to the game. In athletics, the majority of events are centered on individual display as against the teamwork seen in football. The weird mix of the strengths and weaknesses of the individuals on the team is what compels many to watch. Could it be that we subconsciously relate our daily experiences with the live matches before us?

In all aspects of our lives, we are faced with people. The outcomes of our efforts, more often than not, depends on other people. It is either we need their input to produce results or our results are the inputs they need to complete their tasks. Either way, we are in a social trap – one of interdependence with some wielding more influence than others.

As the first semester of the first year of the MBA program spirals to a close, we face intensifying levels of assignments and course works. Business and work demands have also not slowed down to balance the increase in academic pursuits. The daily time limit of 24hrs has also not been adjusted to accommodate us. To top it all, family responsibilities are present. How can we survive? How can we successfully juggle all the commitments without dropping any?

The secret is teamwork. We all have varied levels of strengths and weaknesses. In our various groups, we can swap our weaknesses for the strengths of our colleagues thus improving ourselves. For example, my strength lies in numerical computation and my weakness abounds in writing reports. How can I maximize time under this intense pressure? It is simple on paper but difficult in practice.

“My colleagues are slacking, help me out!” When opportunities that favor our strengths arise, our lights shine bright with intensity. At this point, our perception of reality is blurred. At those points, we feel our partners, colleagues, or subordinates are slacking and need to pick up. We put on the judging lamps and question the commitment of others. However, when the tables turn; and our weakness is on display, we look for fig leaves to hide our nakedness and pray for mercy in the hearts of others. How can we not drink of the cup we have served to others in times past?

This attitude of delusion is the weakest link in a team. In the office, school, or marketplace, when engaging with people, remember that although their weakness is on display today, it will not be like that forever. Someday, by and by, their strength will be made manifest. When it seems like you are the only one strong, do the work with passion, do not judge the “slackness” of others. Someday, you would “slack”; then you would be happy that you did not.

Let us conclude with this; our existence as a whole is due to a substantial measure on our ability to depend on one another, so bear the yoke of your partners with love knowing that someday you will need to be carried on their backs.

“An excerpt from my real-life experience“

Life, Love, and Life

#ABP #DA #CFA #MMBA4