On Assignment: Strength in Numbers

How often do I take on to much, when I should ask for help? How do you build a good team, how do you get a group to truly work in synergy?These were some of the questions asked at the team building event I photographed yesterday. Roughly 20 Moms gathered to learn how to best apply their talents to the organization know as the Burlingame Mother's Club. Its an amazing group of families and considering everything is produced by volunteers, from a website to a monthly newsletter - it inspires even the most synical observer. It was interesting then to watch a certain skill present such a challenge to these ladies, one that required amazing synergy from a team. As a team, the 2 groups of women were to lower a tent pole to the ground. The rules; only use the top of 2 fingers to support the pole, all fingers must touch the pole at all times, gravity must be the factor that lowers the pole. It sounds simple but watching these very talented women struggle and fail made you really think about the factors that go into working together. Luckily we didn't end on that note but with a challenge to build ten bikes in 20 minutes. It was like Santa's workshop the night before Christmas. Project accomplished, the participants were surprised by the arrival of some deserving children from nearby to take them home. Watching the village in action always brings a smile to my face.