Chemistry
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the chimps reorganized. They gathered together and began to slowly move toward the tiger. As they moved closer to the feared object, they repeatedly touched (stayed in touch with) each other. I’ve observed a similar “touching behavior” in teams under pres sure and stress, and also when celebrating things going well. Players on supportive teams, teams with good chemistry, reach out to teammates (verbally and physically) to acknowledge them and let them know they are with them and for them. When challenged with threat or pressure, the support of the group gives the individual team members, in all walks of life, the strength and courage to persevere. While doing a team-building conference for a global telecom munications corporation, I was asked by one of the executives how she could improve chemistry when her team is spread all over North America. My answer was, “a little more slowly and with a little more effort.” Increasingly, corporate teams are operating in a virtual reality, spread all over the country and the planet, where it is simply harder to stay in touch in the most basic ways. Sure, with the Internet and cell phones there is instant voice communication; however, without eye contact and real proximity, more time, patience, and a conscious effort are required to build trust, which is a key component of good chemistry.
The Law of the Jungle I was called in to consult with a team that was in a single-game sud den death playoff situation. The team had to win to survive. The team they were facing in the playoff had beaten them decisively on a couple of occasions during the regular season. Luke, the coach, a for mer NHL star, related that his players lacked confidence and didn’t think they could win. He asked for my help to get them out of their losing mindset.