Lessons learnt from this morning's bike ride.

This morning while biking alone, I was passed by a group of about 15 cyclists, and I decided to join them. While biking in this group, I realized the following :

1. My Speed went up by 25 % - Most of the time , I was the last cyclist in the group, all were ahead of me, still my average speed was 34.3 kph, a lot more than the my usual 27 kph. 

Even if you are the poorest individual performer , just being a part of the team , increases your efficiency. 

2. There was a cyclist who was going at the same speed , but had only one leg. 

In a team, the limitations of any individual do not affect the performance. On the contrary that person overcomes his limitations. 

3. During the headwinds the order of the cyclists would change , the strongest cyclist would take the lead reducing the effect on the others. 

Difficult times, bring out the leader in a team . This person guides the others through tough times.

Tough times don't last - Tough people do. 

4. When the tailwind areas came, the leader moved back in the group, and allowed other cyclists to lead the team. 

A leader not only guides the team through the difficult times, but also motivates others to take up leadership roles, while staying behind them to guide them through. 

5. The temperature was slowly rising, but the speed of the cyclists never decreased. 

External factors have a limited effect on a team. 

5. You need not be already a part of the team. 

I joined this group without knowing anyone , but was welcomed. Even at work , teamwork should not be restricted to specific departments . Any one should be free to join any team. 

Moral of the story : Ditch the management training books, and get a bike.