3 Idiots crossing a valley- A demonstration of Team Work and Leadership

Let’s look at the below picture

We see that there are three people trying to cross a valley and all three are having a wooden pole on their shoulders. The gap in the valley is wide enough for a person to fall down. Starting with the first person, each person takes turn in crossing the valley while being supported by the other two. At a time a person hangs in the valley, his weight is supported by the other two people. We see that it’s difficult for a  person at the extreme to cross the valley since he will be supported only from one end. In case of middle person, he will be supported on both the ends.

What we see here is a group co-operation involving an fatal task. Few qualities of leadership and team work is to be learned here.

 Trust: Mutual trust is very essential here since you will be supported by the other two persons while hanging in the valley. Similarly, in an organization, you have to trust your team members to co-operate with you in final realization of organizational task.

Scientific approach:

It could be seen here that position and step of every person is well crafted to economize the body movements. In an organization, scientific way of working is required to perform the task efficiently and effectively.

Leadership:

Of the three people involved in the activity, not all might be able to look at the task with the same eye. It might be daunting to a one (mostly a newbie) and yet another day at work for some one other person. This is where I believe that the role of a leader comes into place. The leader can emerge within the three people or we might have a new leader altogether. But this definitely needs a leader who can drive the team to success. Co-ordinate them, encourage them, review the plan and do everything possible to re-assure his team members. 

Team Spirit: Here we can see that each person takes turn to bear the weight of one person. This kind of sacrifice is required to finally cross the valley along with the pole. In organizations, giving up your favourite task or working on behalf of others is required to reach overall goals.

Planning and Co-ordination: This task, being highly dangerous, should be well planned and rehearsed to ensure proper co-ordination and eliminate the chance of failure. This is particularly important since a wrong step by any person can topple the whole process.

This activity also demonstrates the Tuckman's group development model.

1.  Forming

Team requires clear aims and objectives from a leader.

2.  Storming

Every group will next enter the storming stage in which different ideas compete for consideration. The team addresses issues such as what problems they are really supposed to solve, how they will function independently and together and what leadership model they will accept. Team members open up to each other and confront each other's ideas and perspectives. 

3.  Norming

The team manages need’s to have one goal and come to a mutual plan for the team at this stage. Some may have to give up their own ideas and agree with others in order to make the team function. In this stage, all team members take the responsibility and have the ambition to work for the success of the team's goals.

4.      Performing

It is possible for some teams to reach the performing stage. These high-performing teams are able to function as a unit as they find ways to get the job done smoothly and effectively without inappropriate conflict or the need for external supervision. By this time, they are motivated and knowledgeable.

Having above qualities and knowledge qualifies one to have a Managerial Excellence
Managerial Excellence = Managerial Efficiency X Managerial Effectiveness

Efficiency is the technological or engineering part of the organization and effectiveness is the management part of firm and can be improved by applying proper management techniques.