Quit being a pecker.
In a poultry experiment completed by William Muir it was determined that an average flock will collaborate better than a flock of “super-chickens”. After generations of creating a flock of high performing layers it was found that they pecked each other to death while the average layers output continued to flourish.
This begs that collaboration and competition cannot survive together. The only way the “super-chickens” could show high productivity was by pecking, and eventually killing, their competition. In my time of leading various teams, I have discovered that working together, in an environment of trust, is extremely important. Communication is essential if success is to be had.
I once experienced an environment where power got in the way, attempted communication fell on deaf ears, and disruption was the result. People motivate people, but it is so much more than that. Leaders need to focus on the mortar, not just the bricks. What is the best adhesive to use to hold a structure together? Sure, the bricks are very important, but you must use the proper mortar or the structure will come crashing down. Use the right mortar and the wall will be impenetrable.
Are you a “heroic soloist”? Does any offer or ideas presented to you become a threat to your status or position? If so, please consider this advice. Conditions must be created so everyone can succeed together. Create an environment where no voice dominates, and no one is a passenger. With humans, it is what happens between them that really counts. Bringing out the best in others brings out the best in ourselves. It is only when we accept that everybody has value that we will liberate the energy, imagination and momentum we need to create.
Don’t be a pecker. Communicate often and remember that listening is often more important than talking. We do not have to drive out people who make us feel threatened. Often, it is these people who will make you and your organization stronger. When groups are sensitive to each other, ideas flow and grow. Create a community where people feel appreciated. I had the great honor of working with a tremendous group of firefighters as they started their academy. I was blessed to guide one of the first classes where we explored importance of family. We played together that night doing off the wall activities that highlighted the importance of not going it alone. Everyone had something to offer. This group eventually achieved a 100% pass rate on their practical and written exams. To be clear, I had very little to do with this. It was their buy-in and collaboration that helped them to succeed. There were no peckers in that group, they were not standing on top of each other to make themselves look bigger. They went in shoulder to shoulder as equals and reaped the benefits together.
This group of individuals continue to be an inspiration to me. They showed what it takes to help everyone succeed and achieve. Community.
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