Lone wolf or Lonely wolves: Why we are better together.

Everyone is familiar with the iconic image of the solitary hero overcoming long odds to defeat a much larger and seemingly unassailable opponent; John Wayne's numerous portrayals, Bruce Willis in the Die Hard films, Clint Eastwood's roles as the stranger & Dirty Harry and James Bond in his various manifestations are all examples. This "cowboy" self-reliance is deeply ingrained into our culture and our spirit. So deeply that it is elevated as something to aspire to. But the tragedy and fallacy of this mythology is that we are much more effective, much happier and frankly just plain better when we are truly operating as part of an effective and focused team.

Don't misunderstand me, real individuals are thrust into circumstances where they selflessly act every day. They are true heroes. But as a generality, we are wired to work with others, to rise to a higher level and be driven by our peers. To bring out the best in each other by working cooperatively for the collective benefit and collaborative goal.

This is the kind of environment where we thrive and really grow as individuals because we are part of a team. Whether it is inside a marriage, a family, a friendship, a partnership, a company or a spontaneous gathering - identify the common need and commit to that goal as one focused force where the sum of each component acting synchronously far exceeds the effectiveness and power of the individual.

If you lead an organization foster this. If  you are led, initiate it a lower level and nurture it. One solitary man or woman can make a difference, and that difference is focusing the energies and spirit of the group. Be that person in that group. Remember wolves don't hunt alone, they work in packs.