In one of Aesop’s fables, he tells the story of three bulls grazing in a field. Everyday a lion would pace around the outskirts of the field and attempt to ambush them anytime he thought they were vulnerable. However, the bulls were resilient. Every time the lion would try to approach them they would stand together with their horns facing out and repel the attack. One day the bulls got into an argument and went off to graze in separate corners of the field alone. As they ventured off alone, the lion devoured them one by one.
This story provides an important lesson to those that hear it. Together with the power of the HERD we have incredible strength, well beyond the sum of our individual strengths. United we stand, divided we fall. But, what does this story mean for modern professionals and organizations? The most successful teams are those that are able to work together and transform their power and passion into something that benefits everyone. Without a powerful vision and a set of shared values, it is impossible to come together and protect your herd from the many dangers they face. While a lion may not be prowling around your team eagerly awaiting his next meal, your company faces constant danger. There are competitors who want to take your customers and eat away at your market share. The stock market’s volatility can create incredible highs and lows in just a number of days. A new technology can make your company obsolete overnight. The list goes on. All of that being said, a very important question becomes clear. How do you harness the power of everyone in your herd and ultimately create something remarkable, and collectively greater than any one individual or the sum of all the individuals?
Compel and Engage Your Team
Leaders who want to leverage the power of each individual’s unique strengths must create a company vision so compelling that people have no choice but to follow. The vision of the organization must be so clear and vivid in their mind that they are committed to the cause without any degree of doubt. However, a vision isn’t simply a set of phrases that include “we aim to be the best” or “we strive to be number one.” Those phrases really have no meaning. A truly compelling vision is one that your team can clearly identify with. It should inspire them to take action and ultimately take ownership of their individual responsibilities. If they find their everyday work meaningful and a valuable part of achieving the long-term vision of the company, success will soon follow for everyone.
Align Your Team With Your Values
The military serves as one of the best examples of a high performing organization that thrives on the existence of shared values. All service members hold the values of integrity, honor, loyalty, trust, and respect very high. As a result, when they are faced with adversity they are willing to go above and beyond for the person next to them. In some cases, they are even willing to risk their lives. Companies have the exact same opportunity to build a culture based upon shared values. When training and developing a team there must be a clear set of standards that describe how we all should act and behave. The values that are most important to the company should be clearly communicated from the top down and then reinforced by all. There isn’t any shame in setting high expectations or stressing the importance of adhering to these ideas. A team should be prepared to face challenges together with the best interests of the group in mind. Every effort should be made to foster an environment where each individual team member is dedicated to the fundamental values necessary to help the company succeed.
Assess and Build Your Ideal Team
When searching for the people you want to bring into your organization, personality is far more important than skill-set. Herb Kelleher of Southwest Airlines famously once said, “You don’t hire for skills. You hire for attitude. You can always teach skills.” While it may be true that every role in a company requires a unique skill set, it is nearly impossible to have a productive team built upon expertise alone. Every member of your team should be a good fit and a direct reflection of you and your core values.
For those leaders looking to harness the power of their herd, there is no substitute for the value of having a well-aligned team with a set of shared values that create a compelling/repelling magnet to help the company achieve its vision.
KnowBullU is designed for business leaders who want to leverage their passion and harness the power of their herd. By taking advantage of straightforward sessions and a set of remarkable tools, you can “ring the bell” everyday.