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May
Issue |
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The
V-Team
I am sure many of you have seen pictures of birds flying in a “V”,
with one bird in front, and two lines of birds following the leader.
Geese do this when they fly long distances. Scientists have found
that as each goose flaps its wings, the air around gives an “uplift” to
the birds that follow. Using the “V” formation, the whole
flock can fly 71% further than if each bird flew alone.
We can learn teamwork from this. If we can agree on a goal, it will
be much easier and faster when we are willing to help others and
accept help from them. If we are selfish, we will not help others.
If we are proud, we will refuse to get help from others. By working
together, we will be able to do more.
There are other things we can also learn from the birds.
The birds take turns to be the leader in the “V” formation.
When the bird right in front gets tired, it falls back and another
bird will take over. The lead bird is the one who has to work the
hardest because it does not have the benefit of the lifting power
of a bird in front of it.
What is the lesson here?
We should share the difficult jobs and share leadership. Different
people have different talents, skills, capabilities, knowledge and
experience. Let all of us be prepared to contribute what we can.
Let each one be prepared to take the lead, and also be willing to
accept others as leaders.
Scientists also note that geese flying in formation honk to encourage
those in front. As members of a team, we should “honk” to
encourage each other. Kind words, giving praise, saying thank you,
offering help. If we want team spirit, high energy, initiative, innovation
and creativity, “honk” every now and then in encouragement.
One last fact about the geese is very important. Sometimes things
do not go well. When a goose gets sick, wounded, or shot down, two
geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect
it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again.
The lesson for us? Stand by each other when times are difficult and
not only when things are going well. We will know how strong we are
as a team when we have trouble. The real team helps a member who
is in difficulty. So do not close your eyes or shut your ears. Give
support. Show care and concern. Help him or her recover and improve.
Let us learn from the V-team.
- Agree on the goal.
- Work as a team.
- Be willing to help others.
- Be willing to get help from others.
- Do all you can with your talents, knowledge and abilities.
- Be willing to lead.
- Be willing to let others lead.
- Encourage each other.
- Stand by those who get sick or wounded along the way.
Lim Siong Guan Head, Civil Service |
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