The Oar-acle of Teamwork

By: Jesse Knapp

Do you ever feel like you’re trying your hardest but not getting anywhere, like you’re rowing a boat that keeps going in circles instead of a straight line? Have you ever thought about how much of life resembles rowing a boat with others? This thought struck me as I was recently re-listening to one of my favorite books, The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. Think of the song “Row, Row, Row Your Boat, gently down the stream.” Most of us have probably heard, even sung it at some point. But what does it take to row gently and effectively when multiple people are at the oars?

We do very little in complete isolation. Almost everything involves others, requiring us to be aware of them and focus on contributing our best to the group effort. If we simply start rowing as hard and fast as we can, the boat won’t behave like we want it to. We need to pay attention to those around us and make sure we’re rowing in sync. Imagine two people in a boat, and one person rows twice as hard and twice as fast. If the goal is to move straight ahead, they’re in for a tough journey. One that likely won’t feel very “gentle down the stream.” How often have we “gone in circles” with something at work, home, school, or elsewhere? And how often is it because we’re too focused on ourselves, losing sight of the bigger picture?

At work, do we “just do our job” and row with all our strength so everyone sees we’re the best oarsman or oarswoman? Or do we choose to OWN-IT? (i.e., work in a way that makes others’ jobs easier by staying in sync with the rest of the boat?) Consider something as core as delivering a load. When the sales team ensures a new customer is a good fit for Nussbaum, rather than simply landing a big account that makes them look good – everyone’s job becomes easier. When a driver maintains a professional, friendly manner at all times, it makes everyone’s job easier. Each role, no matter how removed it may seem from the load itself, has the opportunity to help the boat glide smoother and straighter. Like rowing, if even one person focuses on getting where they want to go, the boat can quickly veer off course.

When we pause and reflect on how much of life involves others, it can be sobering to realize how significantly our actions affect those around us. Are we moving through life with a “me” focus or an “us” focus? Are we aware of the others rowing alongside us — matching our tempo to theirs so that we all succeed? Because slow and steady in a straight line is better than fast in circles.