If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go FAR, go TOGETHER. - African Proverb.
I love this proverb about the value of teamwork. It implies that a group on its journey must be inclusive and collaborative to achieve its full potential. "We’re all in this together" has certainly taken on new meaning in the time of Covid. I use it to remind myself that a group is often collectively stronger than its individual members. It’s another way of saying there is no I in TEAM, and, more importantly, it fosters trust and reliance on each other.
Without buy-in or the agreement to go together, the team will likely face obstacles and not be as successful.
While on stage, Improv players are encouraged to go together in numerous ways: connect and coordinate physically, make eye contact, agree with and say yes to each other, listen to others and support each other's ideas to advance the scene. Improv games and exercises promote inclusion, collaboration, active listening, authentic responses and transparency in communication. These are all cornerstones of Improv - should become the bedrock of your teambuilding and management style.
In the workplace, on the other hand, I think it’s fair to say that not all ideas and initiatives are embraced enthusiastically by everyone, and that’s okay. There should be some checks and balances. Differences of opinion can ultimately help shape the best outcomes of disagreements. However, without buy-in or the agreement to go together, the team will likely face obstacles and not be as successful.
And to be sure, it’s all about the journey. But that’s for another post.