“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” ~ African Proverb
There is no arguing that individual effort can never match that of a team. Though such a notion has long been forgotten by humans, it remains present and dominant among animals. So, it’s safe to say that humans have a lot to learn from animals when it comes to collaborative efforts.
1. Meerkats: Trust
If you think you don’t know what a meerkat is, you’re probably wrong. Well, unless you have no idea who Timon from Lion King is. Meerkats are known for always having each other’s backs, quite literally. For example, while eating, one of them always keeps watch until the others are done. The absence of trust, to them, is a matter of life and death.
If such trust is implemented across professional teams, the overall quality of work will amplify. Acting as one entity and treating everyone’s work as if it is something you are responsible for is the winning feat of all great teams.
#BeLikeMeerkats
2. Wolves: Communication
Wolves are great observers and great communicators. Every wolf has a specific role in the pack, something professional team members can learn from.
If every member puts enough effort to communicate with other team members, there won’t be room for disagreement. Everything will be solved before the conflict even begins.
#BeLikeWolves
3. Killer Whales: Cooperation
While they are not the largest in size, killer whales are known to be the fiercest predators in the sea. The reason? They cooperate to feed on bigger animals.
Team members, in that sense, are no different because as the cliché phrase has it: “there is no I in team”. No team member should work as a separate individual. Rather, each member must think of others in anything they do. The best things are often the result of good teamwork.
#BeLikeKillerWhales
4. Chimpanzees: Conflict Resolution
When a fight breaks out between two chimpanzees, the one who was harmed the most makes the effort to reconcile with their opponent afterward. It is equally natural for disagreements to occur among members of a team.
If there’s one thing to learn from chimpanzees in this regard, it would be the importance of conflict resolution in the fight against all the tension that arises.
#BeLikeChimpanzees
5. Elephants: Empathy
Elephants are intelligent and empathetic, two characteristics that are perfect for coexistence. If an elephant is unable to move, other elephants come together to carry it with their trunks.
Similarly, team members should always be emphatic and sympathetic to others. For good work environments to arise, such an approach must be taken.
#BeLikeElephants
Teamwork Wins, Always
Hierarchal attitudes, whether between humans or animals, will only lead to destruction among members of the same species. Working as an individual entity will reduce the overall outcome of the entire team, leading to lower productivity across the board. Working with others is essential for the survival of the company and for the growth of team members on both an individual and group level. Always remember that.