BCG Blog

You Can't Be Tough Alone

I love wolves. I think they’re cool. For me, they have an aura of strength and power about them that other animals don’t. They exude courage, often hunting prey much larger than themselves. Yet, they also display massive amounts of kindness, staying behind to be with an injured packmate. 

What I like most about wolves though is their toughness. I think they have mastered what tough is all about. I know most people will quickly point out that lions and tigers are bigger, stronger … more intimidating than a wolf. To which, I agree. But you don’t see a wolf in the circus, do you?

No, because for a wolf it’s not about the wolf. It’s about the pack. This simple, and profound, understanding is exactly what makes the wolf the biggest badass in nature.

A wolf doesn’t try to be anything except a member of the pack. They understand they are no more, or less, important than every other member.

They’re undeniably tough. But, that toughness isn’t the result of superior strength, speed, or size.
It’s a result of the pack.

Why Should We Care?
I know there are leaders out there bigger than life, bigger than their organization. They have star power, deliver charismatic speeches daily, and move people to action with their mere presence.

That’s not me.
I’m not that good.
I need other people.

And, I’m good with that. I think that’s where true toughness resides - in a group, on a team ... we always beats me.

For those of you like me, that are better in a pack, the question becomes: how do we find the right pack? The answer is simple. 

Wolves hang with wolves. That’s what makes a pack a pack, the other wolves.

We need to search for other wolves. People that have similar mindsets, pursuits, and motivations as us strengthen both the wolf and the pack. We are hopefully all aware of how impactful the people around us are on our perspective and outlook on life.

REAL TALK - Action Steps
The purpose and drive to turn visions into realities must align but, the roles and process for each individual does not need to be the same. As a matter of fact, it shouldn’t be. The diversity adds strength. 

• Champions 
  
  • These people buy into your cause and believe in you. They have your back and speak confidence into you. Champions deliver energy and positivity at all times. No task is too tall, no odds too long. The champions in your pack think you, we, can make it happen. Their faith is unwavering.
    

• Challengers
  
  • These people tell you the truth, regardless of your desire to hear it. They push you to expect more of yourself than you thought was possible. Challengers are numb to failures and setbacks and see them as simply part of the deal of pursuing excellence. The challengers in your pack are always striving, never settling. Their willingness to question the norm is unrelenting.
    

To think we have ever truly done anything on our own is laughable. No matter how tough we might get, it pales in comparison to our toughness within a team. Just like there is no ‘I’ in TEAM, there is no TOUGH alone.

For more information on building excellence in your teams, visit us at www.bluecollargrit.com. 

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