Birds in a V Formation -- Enabled to Change Speed Quickly Based on the Lead Bird
Today, I was at the beach -- my favorite place in the world! As I was laying down I looked up and saw the birds positioning themselves into a new V formation.
Some lessons I learned from the "V":
- Speed of change. It's amazing how quickly they can respond to any changes from the bird in front. The V enables them to sense each other's movements especially the leader's faster.
- Take Turns. Birds take turns at the front. Each then takes a turn at leading and following.
- By working together, a flock of birds is greater than the sum of its parts. By not being selfish, individual birds can reap the collective advantage of aerodynamic movements.
Is your team so in sync that they can respond with speed to the leader's movements?
I've learned that much can be learned at the beach!!!!
I am AquaWoman!
Crazy title I know. But did you know since I had my accident in Brazil, I have swam everyday consistently for 3 months in my quest for total recovery. And have earned my new nickname --- Aquawoman!
Given that I go to the same pool daily ( except for the 2 weeks at Christmas where I went to another location and pool!), I have learned the names of the lifeguards, their shifts, who swims when and what injury they have sustained, where kids are heading to college and the list goes on. Given the lifeguards had to help me into and out of the pool for a while, I gave them each a small present of my appreciation at Christmas. I have developed a new small family of swimmers!!!
I thought about how amazing this was! And it was all SOCIAL! I learned a lot of lessons in that pool for my Social World!
- Consistency earns Trust. In Social or any relationship, you can not come in and out. You must remain consistent in your interactions. Plan time to interact and develop relationships.
- It is P2P - People 2 People. People are not robots. And they are not just all business. They have lives and their lives extend far beyond their business side. Get to know things that matter to them -- their families, hopes, dreams, and injuries! This helps you to know them as a full person.
- Reward those that help you. Yes, the small token I gave each lifeguard (22 in total!) was a way I could express how appreciative I was of their help. Everyday I thanked them. And they responded in kind. I get so much help and great attitudes every time I come in. The same is true in Social. Re tweet others, interview them and spotlight them. Thank them for their help and assistance!
As I have said many times, Social is not magic. It is simply something people have been doing throughout the ages --- forming relationships!
You don't have to be as smart as Watson just have the social skills!!!!