I have the privilege to row with some fantastic people at my local boat club and it is a sport I have come to appreciate mainly for the way it demonstrates the effect of a good team dynamics and often, as I have experienced also, the consequences when the team are not in sync. As managers and Executives it is important to deploy your leadership skills effectively so that you can get some fantastic meaningful results that adds your your personal dredibility as well as the organisation you work in. so, what are the lessons we can learn from rowing?
First, let’s talk Rowing – what is rowing? There are two main types of rowing: sweep and sculling:
Sweep rowing – Each rower uses one oar, either in their right or left hand. Sweep boats can have two, four, or eight rowers.
Sculling – Each rower uses two smaller oars, one in each hand. Sculling boats can have one, two, four, or sometimes eight rowers
Usually, a Cox is also present on some boats and the cox’s role is to steer and coordinate the rowers, keep them safe, and help the crew reach its full potential. An experienced cox can make a big difference in a race. Although more advanced rowers may do without a Cox but the job of the Cox is inevitably adopted by the rowers.
For the sake of this metaphorical piece, I will be focusing on rowing with a dedicated cox. The rowers in this case can be the team members in and the cox , the manager or team leader. What can Rowing Team Sport on improving workplace Productivity and Team Dynamics?
Lessons I Learnt About Teamwork from Rowing Events
Through my rowing training and preparation for races, I discovered invaluable lessons about teamwork that have shaped my approach to collaboration in professional environments. Here are some of the key insights I gained:
Synchronisation and Unity
In rowing, every stroke must be perfectly timed with the rest of the crew. Without harmony, the boat’s performance suffers. I totally am reliant on the Cox’s feedback on what I’m not doing well as often, for example, it’s so easy to try to balance the boat by allowing my breaks height, this one move is going to make the boat even less balanced.
Application:
I’ve learnt to align my efforts with those of my team, prioritising shared objectives over individual agendas to maintain consistency and achieve our goals together. Now I ain’t to keep my hand height to the same level no matter what. When all crew do this, the boat suddenly flooded straight and effortlessly.
Trust and Reliability
Rowing depends on trusting each crew member to perform their role flawlessly. Success is only possible when everyone relies on each other. Again, this cannot be achieved without the Cox who their their experience and 360 deserve vision can coach all members to do the right things
Application:
I’ve taken this understanding into my work environment to foster trust by demonstrating reliability and encouraging mutual support within teams.
Role Clarity
Each crew member has a distinct responsibility, from steering to setting the pace. Knowing my role and respecting others’ roles was crucial for success.
Application:
I ensure that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, both for myself and others, to prevent confusion and keep our efforts aligned.
Adaptability
Water conditions can change suddenly, requiring immediate adjustments. Staying focused and flexible was critical to overcoming these challenges.
Application:
I apply this lesson by remaining adaptable in the workplace, embracing change and responding to unexpected challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset.
Leadership and Followership
In rowing, the coxswain leads while the crew follows. This dynamic taught me that both leadership and followership are essential for team success.
Application:
I’ve learned to balance leading and following, knowing when to take charge and when to support others’ directions to ensure the team’s objectives are met.
Effective Communication
Precise communication was essential during races to maintain rhythm and respond to shifts. Without clear directions, the team faltered.
Application:
I’ve adopted clear and concise communication in my professional interactions, ensuring team members stay informed and aligned.
Work Ethic and Resilience
Rowing pushed me to my physical and mental limits, requiring perseverance and determination to succeed.
Application:
This experience taught me to push through challenges, maintain focus, and motivate others during demanding projects or tight deadlines.
Focus on the Collective
Individual effort means little in rowing without the collective team effort. Working as a unit was the key to every success.
Application:
As a rower, priority is given to team success over individual recognition, celebrating shared achievements and fostering an environment where collaboration thrives. This means I do my work effectively along with other team members to achieve its set targets.
How These Lessons Have Improved My Professional Approach
Applying these principles in my work environment has significantly enhanced team dynamics and productivity
- Enhanced Collaboration: Aligning my efforts with my colleagues has fostered smoother workflows and reduced conflict and quite frankly, less tussles with other colleagues due to my heightened sense of “need for collaboration”.
- Increased Efficiency: Defining roles clearly has streamlined tasks and prevented wasted effort.
- Stronger Adaptability: I’ve become more resilient and proactive in managing change, helping teams overcome obstacles.
- Greater Engagement: Clear communication and mutual trust have created a more motivated and cohesive team.
- Improved Outcomes: By focusing on collective goals, I’ve helped drive success for the team and the organisation.
Rowing taught me that teamwork is not just about working together but about being in sync, trusting one another, and striving towards a shared purpose. These lessons embedded a team work culture that have shaped my professional journey and contribute to my success in collaborative environments.