Emperor penguins live in a harsh environment. Living and breeding on the Antarctic Sea ice and coping with extremes of conditions, such as a bone chilling -50˚ C and winds of up to 200km/h, is challenging. Under harsh conditions how do they manage to produce the next generation? Well, the answer is dedicated teamwork.
In winter, the mum penguin lays a single egg and then she heads out in the open ocean for a two-month hunting trip. The dad penguins then buckle down on the ice, huddling together for warmth, each balancing the egg on their feet. To keep the egg warm and viable, the dad penguins cover it with a flap of skin (the brood pouch) and then wait. And wait some more – for two months. Timing is important and then the mums return with full bellies of krill and squid. They feed the regurgitated seafood platter into the mouths of their just-hatched chicks. The starving and possibly stir-crazy dads then head off on their own hunting trips while the mums prepare themselves for the terrible toddler phase of parenting.
Clergyman, author and Christian leadership expert, John C Maxwell, first coined the phrase, 'Teamwork Makes the Dream Work' in 2002. I’m not sure of his inspiration for the phrase but it sure is demonstrated by the lives of Emperor penguins.
It got me thinking. Producing the next generation of responsible citizens that can face the challenges of the twenty first century is not a singular effort of parent(s) but the work of a dedicated team – parents, extended family, friends, schools, churches, etc. The focus, being on effective teamwork, working together to make the 'dream' possible.
In the Bible, King Solomon, in Ecclesiastes 4:12 states, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. Again, a team is better than the individual. Paracord 550, used to make parachute cords, illustrates Solomon’s point. Paracord 550 is made up of braided sheath with seven internal strands which makes it able to hold 550 lbs (249kgs). Its strength is disproportionate to its size. The teamwork makes the dream work!
Now, take a good look at your child raising teams. Could you do with some new members? Can your teams be more effective? Have you thanked and celebrated your team?
Don’t underestimate the value of teamwork.
PS: Next week is National Science Week. Remember to celebrate all things Science.
Mr Craig Vogel
Secondary Head of Science
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