Islam and Teamwork (Team Work): Islam and Leadership, Islam and Consultation

Almighty Allah (SWT) says in the Noble Qur'an: "And hold fast all
together by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you) and be not
divided among yourselves; and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on
you; for ye were enemies and He joined your hearts in love so that by
His grace ye became brethren; and ye were on the brink of the pit of
fire and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make his signs clear to
you: that ye may be guided." Noble Qur'an (3:103)
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: Faithful believers are to each other as
the bricks of a wall, supporting and reinforcing each other. So
saying, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) clasped his hands by interlocking
his fingers. [Sahih al-Bukhari]
In Islam, Allah (SWT) gives us the gift of brotherhood and sisterhood
and encourages us to do things in a group setting or Team Work.
Examples where Islam encourages team spirit are Juma prayers and Hajj
Pilgrimage. In fact, if we fail to work effectively as a member of
team, we fail to understand the true meaning of "Ummah (collectively
united Community)" in Islam.
Teamwork is defined in Webster's New World Dictionary as "a joint
action by a group of people, in which each person subordinates his or
her individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of
the group." This does not mean that the individual is no longer
important; however, it does mean that effective and efficient teamwork
goes beyond individual accomplishments. The most effective teamwork is
produced when all the individuals involved harmonize their
contributions and work towards a common goal.
Lessons from Geese provide a perfect example of the importance of
teamwork and how it can have a profound and powerful effect on our
life. When we use these five principles in our personal life it will
help us to foster and encourage a level of passion and energy in
ourselves, as well as those who are our friends, associates or team
members.
It is essential to remember that teamwork happens when it is
continually nurtured and encouraged.
Once a wise man said - Two people can accomplish more than twice as
much as one; they get a better return for their labor. As the old
saying goes, two heads are better than one.
Scientists have found that Geese flying in V formation can travel
around 71% further in a session than Geese flying solo (alone).
Working together on the task of flying is beneficial in a number of
ways:
Lesson 1 - The Importance of Achieving Common Goals
Aerodynamic Formation - The V formation of Geese is a way that
maximizes the energy expended by those flying as part of it. The bird
at the front of the flock breaks the air for those flying behind it
and creates a slipstream for them to be dragged along in. The birds
behind also help those in front as the upward motion of their wing
also create an upward draft that propels them forward. This push/pull
relationship ensures all birds in the formation benefit from the work
of others.
Outcome: When we have a sense of "Ummah (collectively united
Community)" and focus, we create trust and can help each other to
achieve our common goals.
Lesson 2 - The Importance of Team Work (Teamwork)
When a goose leaves the formation, he feels the resistance of the air
and the difficulties of flying alone. Then, he quickly comes back to
the formation to take advantage of the flock's power in front of him.
Outcome: If we had as much sense as Geese we would stay in formation
with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their
help and give our help to others. Sharing the same direction and
working as a team, get us to the destination quicker and easier. By
helping ourselves, the accomplishments are greater.
Lesson 3 - The Importance of Sharing (Sharing Leadership)
Rotating Leadership - Even with the pushing effect of those behind it
- the front bird uses the most energy and becomes tired more quickly
than others. The Geese know that and instinctively rotate leadership
of the flock - allowing tired birds who have used a lot of energy for
the sake of the flock to take a rest and be dragged a long for a while
until it is there next turn up front.
Outcome: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks. We should respect
and protect each other's unique arrangement of skills, capabilities,
talents and resources.
Lesson 4 - The Importance of Empathy and Understanding
Dropping out of the Flock - as a result of sickness or injury a bird
will occasionally begin to fall away from the flock - unable to keep
up. Instead of allowing this bird to fly on alone - at least two
others will always drop out of the flock with it. This ensures that
the injured bird will be defended and cared for until it is ready to
resume flying and that it will fly on with the benefit of flying in
formation.
Outcome: If we have as much sense as Geese we will stand by each
other. Let's stay beside each other no matter what the differences,
especially in times of difficulty and great challenges. If we bond
together and support each other, if we make true the spirit of
teamwork, regardless of our differences, we can rise to meet our
challenge.
Lesson 5 - The Importance of Encouragement
Power of the Honk - From the ground the V formation of the Geese is a
beautiful thing to watch - serenely gliding across the sky these birds
look quite majestic and peaceful. However get up into the flock and
you find it's quite a noisy affair with the Geese constantly honking
at one another. There are numerous theories about this honking and it
could be partly about letting each other know where they are so there
is no midair collision. But many believe that this honking is actually
about creating an environment of success and mutual encouragement.
Geese flying in formation 'Honk' to encourage those up front to keep
up with their speed.
Outcome: We need to make sure our honking is encouraging. In groups
and teams where there is encouragement, production is much greater.
'Individual empowerment results from quality honking'.
As a result of some of these principles the Geese can fly amazing
distances without stopping for rest - so much further than if they
tried to do it alone. Humans, like Geese, were created to work
together and to support one another. When we encourage each other and
support our leaders we can accomplish amazing things, much more than
trying to work alone.