The French have one of the most poetic and apt definitions for teamwork – esprit de corps – which roughly translates as a feeling of pride, unity, and loyalty shared by members belonging to the same group. In an organization, fostering a feeling of unity, loyalty, and pride in other words an environment that encourages teamwork is a prerequisite to the organization’s success.
Teamwork leads to creating a synergy that supports a more empowered way of co-working that further gives way to flexibility and support across the organization.
Every alternate year, Spain observes a festival known as the Concurs de Castells – human tower competition. This festival can be traced back to the 18th Century and involves the ultimate exhibition of human teamwork and all its complementing principles. People aged 5 to 95 participate in the contest to build living human structures of some of the most remarkable heights. Unlike human pyramids, these human towers are based on dance, order, method and rituals that date back centuries.
The festival is similar in spirit to that of Janmashtami and DahiHandi celebrations that we observe in India, making it resonate with us further. Like Janmashtami, Concurs de Castells has a lot to teach us about teamwork – here are some principles that truly soar.
- Principle One – Co-Ordination Is Key
Like in the case with anything that requires more than two parties to execute, the festival is an example of co-ordination. The co-ordination results from effective communication, strength and common sense. Communication because there are so many people involved who need to speak with each other clearly to achieve the task at hand; strength because so many people lead to multiple energies that need to be channelized right; and common sense helps people realize the obvious.
- Principle Two – There Are Rules That Help
Even though the festival dates back to the early 18th Century, the rules hold true even today. This is primarily because each human being is different and unique, but when working together they need to be tied by a thread of commonality that will help them achieve the goals that they set out to achieve. The rules act as the groundwork and level everyone up.
- Principle Three – Everyone Has A Role To Play
Dismantling the tower is as important as building it. A strong base is as important as a sleek top – so big and small alike – each person has their own role to play, which amounts to success. The pinya or the base of the human tower is as important as the enxaneta or the child who is at the apex of the tower. Much like in teamwork, not everyone can bell the cat, but there are a lot of people needed which eventually builds up to the cat being tamed.
- Principle Four – It All Leads To A Spectacular Result
When so many people work towards a common goal, the result is one to behold. No wonder that the festival receives many visitors from across the globe. In fact, the Concurs de Castells has recently been recognized by UNESCO as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. So, when people work together as a team, achieving the desired results become much more likely.
“The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” –Phil Jackson
