Unity Through Uniqueness
Every wolf has his own voice. Every wolf respects the voice of every
other wolf.
There is not a more eerie, mournful, frightening or beautiful sound at night
than the musical extravaganza of a howling wolf pack. Campers and hunters
who have heard this chorus are filled with wonder but are also usually
immobilized by fear. Because of the melody of voices, it often sounds like
they are surrounded by scores of wolves.
In truth, there are usually no more than five to eight wolves howling in a pack.
The secret is that the wolves are always careful not to duplicate each other.
Each wolf assumes a unique pitch, respecting the distinctiveness of the other
members of the pack. While the notes may change, as in any beautiful song,
one wolf will not copy the pitch of another.
Interestingly, this respect for the individual only emphasizes the true unity
of the group. They are one, but they are individuals, each contributing to the
organization in their own unique way. Every wolf has his own voice.
Every wolf respects the voice of every other wolf.
While no one knows for sure why wolves sing, nature has blessed them with a
talent they have perfected through the generations. However, we can make
some educated guesses about the phenomenon; they are happy, excited, playful,
territorial, and sorrowful. They may be simply reaffirming the spirit and unity
of their pack. After all, why do birds sing? Why do we?
An additional reason that wolves may howl is that it provides a time, a place
and an event for all social barriers to be broken. Wolves have a strong social order,
with each member understanding its role and place. When we observe wolves
eating together, we see what seems to be curtsies, bows, whines and hugs—all
according to each member’s “place” in the organization. But when wolves howl
together, all barriers are dropped, as if to say, “We are one, but we are all unique,
so don’t tread on us.” As anyone who has ever listened to this magical howling
choir will testify, its message is heard.
The wolf symphony makes the pack appear a much more formidable foe than
would be the case if they all sounded the same. No wonder intruders become
confused and frightened at what they assume to be an army of wolves.
So, too, are human organizations and families more formidable when the
awareness of each individual is celebrated rather than stifled. Each person
assumes his share of responsibility for the group by employing his special
talents and strengths. By members expressing their own uniqueness and
respecting and encouraging the uniqueness of others, the unit becomes a
strong, formidable one.
“Over the years I’ve learned a lot about coaching staffs and one piece
of advice I would pass along to a young head coach—or a corporate
executive, or even a bank president—is this: Don’t make them in your
image. Don’t even try. My assistants don’t look alike, think alike, or
have the same personalities. And I sure don’t want them thinking
like I do. You don’t strive for sameness, you strive for balance.”
~Bear Bryant
Questions to Ponder:
Business
Interdepartmental teams (TQM, CQI, focus groups, etc.) are now utilized
worldwide to constantly improve products, services and customer awareness.
Unfortunately, these teams are often formed without regard to the psychological
makeup of the team members. Outstanding teams consist of individuals with
differing gifts. There are several ways to enhance team selection, such as the
use of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), which I frequently administer
to groups. How do you make sure your team members will bring out the best in
each other?
Family
Do you believe in birth order difference among children? Is it true that most
people are tougher on their first born, more indecisive with middle children,
and easiest on the baby? Do you respect and enjoy your family members’
differences, or do you try to force them to fit your preconceived mold?
Personal
We all possess unique gifts. We can either contribute these gifts toward the
success of our work team and family, or we can use our uniqueness as an excuse
to remain aloof and weaken the unit. What are your special contributions?
How are you using them?
Copyright Simple Truths, LLC, all rights reserved and reprinted with permission.
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