Lesson of the Day - Learn from Nature - Team Spirit

What can we learn from Nature? What can we learn from our surroundings? What has evolution taught us most? What are the implicit virtues civilization has thaught us? These are the questions that we should try to answer not from the usual rationalistic perspective, but from an individual, rather personal angle. There are many lessons that nature imparts, but I want to focus on just one aspect. This came to me today when I was taking a stroll down the beach today morning.

Nature is the base book to describe and promote team spirit. Look at the sun, the city is beautiful around sunrise and sunset. It is beautiful, refreshing and thrilling to watch when the sun is among the clouds, slowly climbing out. Sun’s splendour when it is alone is scorching, although it provides light. But when it is among its friends-the clouds, the orange-yellow aura is just breath taking. Just watch a sunrise and sunset and you will know what I am talking about.

In a similar manner, the moon is beautiful and at its best when it is among the stars. Immaterial of whether it is full or new moon, the stars add sparkle to the whole sky when they team up with the moon.

There are many more examples that I can think of that illustrate the team spirit that nature teaches us. Why do you think taking a stroll down to the beach or the park amongst the flowers, plants, bees etc have a calming effect on us? Yes, they have a pleasing effect on us. But its not just about their individual beauty, but it is their collective beauty that has a positive effect on the onlooker. Different elements or members of the team showcase their beauty and awesomeness at different stages of any time period. If you take the parks, different flowers blossom in different seasons. The sum total adds to the park’s beauty. If the park had only one kind of flower grown there, then it would become a seasonal attaction and visitors will be non-existent for longer periods of time.

Why is the ZOO so attractive to the kids? its because they get to see different animals. Variety is critical to the Zoo’s success.

In the similar manner, variety is critical to teams and their combined spirit is what drives any team to success. If there are not different opinions or devil’s advocates, success or growth cant become obvious or measurable. Progress is measured based on the previous state. Consistent progress is relative and adds to the momentum only through the variety in thought process brought to the table by its members. One man show doesn’t always reap benefits and profits for the team (oops, where is the team when it just one man?). Probably, that is why democracy is preferred over monarchy - to encourage team spirit. This change in civilization and governance was brought to encourage team spirit - Universal brotherhood.

This ‘Lesson of the Day’ is to suggest that Team Spirit is essential ingredient that every individual’s growth. Develop the team spirit, develop the urge to learn from others, both living and non-living. All answers are already available!!!