Apollo Syndrome', a phenomenon discovered by Dr Meredith Belbin where teams of highly capable individuals can collectively, perform badly. In his book ‘Management Teams – Why they Succeed or Fail’ he reported that teams which were formed of highly intelligent people, surprisingly produced unexpectedly poor results as compared to other teams with ‘less talented’ individuals and he called this the ‘Apollo Syndrome’.
THE APOLLO SYNDROME
When he was carrying out his research, his perception was that if he put highly intelligent people in one team, it would give them an advantage and they would be sure to win in the team competitions. Surprisingly, the results were the reverse, and the Apollo teams often finished near the bottom of the eight teams which were competing.
This failure seemed to be due to certain flaws in the way the team operated:
· They apparently spent a lot of time in unnecessary debate and arguments in trying to persuade other team members to adopt their own point of view, to the extent that whilst other teams were already working on their tasks, the ‘Apollo’ teams were still in the midst of ‘discussion’.
· They had difficulty in reaching consensus and whatever decision was arrived at did not get the whole hearted support of the whole team.
· Team members tended to act independently without taking account of what fellow members were doing.
· Everyone wanted to be the informal leader of the team and as such, even when formal leaders were appointed, the team proved very difficult to manage.
A key lesson from Belbin’s work is that putting together a team of the most talented or best individuals may not necessarily produce the best results. A good example is Chelsea football club in the English Premier League. Even after winning the English league championship in season 2005/2006, they went and bought three of the most sought after players in the world, Andriy Shevchenko from Ukraine, Michael Ballack from Germany and Ashley Cole from England. Their objective was to win the Champion’s trophy (champion club of Europe). The results the next season however did not meet their objectives: they came out second in the English league championship and were out of the Champions trophy in Europe in the quarter finals. Interestingly, they had four national captains in the team, the English captain (John Terry), The Ivory Coast captain (Didier Drogba), the Ukraine captain (Shevchenko) and the German captain (Ballack). This is a classic example of the Apollo Syndrome.
A key lesson we can take in the corporate world from all the above is that we have to find the ‘right’ balance and chemistry when recruiting and selecting staff, as new members of the team. A highly talented individual, who is not a team player, may be of less value that a not so talented individual who is a good team player. This ‘right balance’ may not be easy to find though.
A possible solution would be through psychometric profiling as it could ensure that there is a blend between the personalities of the individuals in the team. Another key factor I would suggest that we look out for during the selection process would the attitude of the potential employee. I would rather employ a not so talented individual with a positive attitude rather than a highly talented individual with a poor attitude.
Please remember that skills and knowledge, you can impart and teach; attitude on the other hand is very difficult to change.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Making your move
"Being at the right place at the right time can only happen when you keep moving toward the next opportunity."Arthur Pine
In order to enjoy the success you fervently desire, you’ve got to be ready, willing and able to make your move — when the move needs to be made. Not a second too soon; not a moment too late. Racking up one remarkable day after another doesn’t occur by chance or circumstance. No, that type of success requires a commitment of time, a commitment of energy and most importantly, a commitment to keep moving NO MATTER WHAT.
Hey, can there be anything more richly rewarding than the jubilant feeling of exhilaration you experience each time you stretch out and achieve what was once thought beyond your reach?
Have you ever noticed how what seems impossible suddenly becomes possible when you start moving and then keep moving towards your goals? And if you haven’t experienced that magic for yourself, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest treasures.
By reaching down and giving it everything that you’ve got, whenever and wherever it’s needed, you can make your move… and move mountains in the process.
In order to enjoy the success you fervently desire, you’ve got to be ready, willing and able to make your move — when the move needs to be made. Not a second too soon; not a moment too late. Racking up one remarkable day after another doesn’t occur by chance or circumstance. No, that type of success requires a commitment of time, a commitment of energy and most importantly, a commitment to keep moving NO MATTER WHAT.
Hey, can there be anything more richly rewarding than the jubilant feeling of exhilaration you experience each time you stretch out and achieve what was once thought beyond your reach?
Have you ever noticed how what seems impossible suddenly becomes possible when you start moving and then keep moving towards your goals? And if you haven’t experienced that magic for yourself, you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest treasures.
By reaching down and giving it everything that you’ve got, whenever and wherever it’s needed, you can make your move… and move mountains in the process.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Donkery story
Enjoy the moral of the story and have a nice weekdays
THE DONKEY
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL :Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less
THE DONKEY
One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway; it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey.
He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They all grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. At first, the donkey realized what was happening and cried horribly. Then, to everyone's amazement he quieted down. A few shovel loads later, the farmer finally looked down the well. He was astonished at what he saw. With each shovel of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing. He would shake it off and take a step up. As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Pretty soon, everyone was amazed as the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and happily trotted off!
MORAL :Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a steppingstone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up.
Remember the five simple rules to be happy:
1. Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.
2. Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.
3. Live simply and appreciate what you have.
4. Give more.
5. Expect less
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Respect each other's time
It’s true confession time. Do you typically expect employees to stop whatever they’re doing whenever you come to them with a need, a want, or some other item on your agenda? Do you ever conduct meetings that are less-than-productive due to a lack of planning or organization on your part? If you answered yes to either (or both) of those questions, I’ve got three words for you: STOP DOING IT! You’re wasting one of the most precious resources your people have: their time.
I know, I know. Of course there will be occasions when you have a truly pressing (“legitimate”) need that must be addressed immediately. But far too often, leaders interrupt employees with issues that aren’t all that significant or important – merely because they want to deal with them NOW and get them off their plates. That’s just plain inconsiderate. And when it comes to unnecessary or poorly organized meetings in which little is accomplished – well, there’s simply no excuse for those, period.
Your people have important work to do. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be there. So, make sure your meetings are necessary and well-managed. And, the next time you feel the need to interrupt someone’s activities, focus, and concentration, ask yourself: Is my issue really more important than what he or she is doing right now? If it is, proceed – if it isn’t, wait…and schedule a more appropriate and convenient opportunity to chat.
Bottom line: if you don’t respect your people’s time, eventually they won’t either. Then, everyone loses.
I know, I know. Of course there will be occasions when you have a truly pressing (“legitimate”) need that must be addressed immediately. But far too often, leaders interrupt employees with issues that aren’t all that significant or important – merely because they want to deal with them NOW and get them off their plates. That’s just plain inconsiderate. And when it comes to unnecessary or poorly organized meetings in which little is accomplished – well, there’s simply no excuse for those, period.
Your people have important work to do. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be there. So, make sure your meetings are necessary and well-managed. And, the next time you feel the need to interrupt someone’s activities, focus, and concentration, ask yourself: Is my issue really more important than what he or she is doing right now? If it is, proceed – if it isn’t, wait…and schedule a more appropriate and convenient opportunity to chat.
Bottom line: if you don’t respect your people’s time, eventually they won’t either. Then, everyone loses.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Sper charged power
"The power to define the situation is the ultimate power."Jerry Rubin
Try as we might, we start believing that we don’t have what it takes to overcome the problem as it looms larger and larger, taking on almost bigger than life proportions. Too often the problem eventually wins out as we give up, tossing in the towel. Down we go, victim to another power outage. It doesn’t have to be this way.
We have far more power than most of us realize, neatly tucked away deep down inside our hearts and souls. This God given source of strength and resolve, so powerful that no problem on earth can defeat it, is there for the taking. This super charged power source is ready to help you plow over, under or through the problems you face.
The challenge is learning how to successfully tap into this reservoir of strength when the going gets rough.
Try as we might, we start believing that we don’t have what it takes to overcome the problem as it looms larger and larger, taking on almost bigger than life proportions. Too often the problem eventually wins out as we give up, tossing in the towel. Down we go, victim to another power outage. It doesn’t have to be this way.
We have far more power than most of us realize, neatly tucked away deep down inside our hearts and souls. This God given source of strength and resolve, so powerful that no problem on earth can defeat it, is there for the taking. This super charged power source is ready to help you plow over, under or through the problems you face.
The challenge is learning how to successfully tap into this reservoir of strength when the going gets rough.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Turn Your Doubting Voice Into Your Greatest Supporter!
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1. Begin speaking kindly and lovingly to yourself.
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Remember, that little voice in your head will keep repeating what you consistently tell it to...
In the past you may have been harsh on yourself when you failed at something or didn't follow through with goals you set.
Cut yourself some slack! Remember that what you manifest into your reality TOMORROW is dependant on what you think TODAY.
The Universe holds nothing in escrow as punishment for past failures. Everything you think, feel and do today however 'is' going to shape the life you experience tomorrow - and into your future.
'Recording' over that negative voice with more positive messages is very simple with a little practice - just keep speaking kindly and lovingly to yourself as often as possible!
Remind yourself (often) of how wonderful, kind and loving you really are.
In time, the tone of that mental voice will begin to change.
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2. Celebrate your achievements!
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If you believe that nothing you do is ever good enough, begin making it a priority to celebrate everything you do. Even the tiniest accomplishment should be cause for celebration.
Pat yourself on the back, congratulate yourself, and most importantly feel GOOD about who you are and what you do. Keep striving to do better, but also give yourself some recognition for even trying!
I have a wall at home that is full of small post-it notes.
Every time I do something good I put it on a post-it note with the date and stick it on the wall.
Over time it has become a great source of inspiration for almost every time I walk past it.
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3. Believe that abundance is your birthright!
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Keep affirming that you *do* deserve an abundant and happy life. 'Expect' abundance and goodness in all forms.
Say things like this, "I just know I'm meant to live a powerful life. I believe I have the strength and ability to make my life into anything I want it to be."
If you know you deserve abundance, expect abundance always, and allow yourself to open to abundance - you GET abundance!
Remember that it will probably take some time to get used to these little practices - but I can assure you it's highly worth it!
Keep doing the steps as often as you can, and before long you should find yourself feeling lighter and happier, AND attracting ever-increasing amounts of abundance into your life.
1. Begin speaking kindly and lovingly to yourself.
------------------------------------------------
Remember, that little voice in your head will keep repeating what you consistently tell it to...
In the past you may have been harsh on yourself when you failed at something or didn't follow through with goals you set.
Cut yourself some slack! Remember that what you manifest into your reality TOMORROW is dependant on what you think TODAY.
The Universe holds nothing in escrow as punishment for past failures. Everything you think, feel and do today however 'is' going to shape the life you experience tomorrow - and into your future.
'Recording' over that negative voice with more positive messages is very simple with a little practice - just keep speaking kindly and lovingly to yourself as often as possible!
Remind yourself (often) of how wonderful, kind and loving you really are.
In time, the tone of that mental voice will begin to change.
------------------------------------------------
2. Celebrate your achievements!
------------------------------------------------
If you believe that nothing you do is ever good enough, begin making it a priority to celebrate everything you do. Even the tiniest accomplishment should be cause for celebration.
Pat yourself on the back, congratulate yourself, and most importantly feel GOOD about who you are and what you do. Keep striving to do better, but also give yourself some recognition for even trying!
I have a wall at home that is full of small post-it notes.
Every time I do something good I put it on a post-it note with the date and stick it on the wall.
Over time it has become a great source of inspiration for almost every time I walk past it.
------------------------------------------------
3. Believe that abundance is your birthright!
------------------------------------------------
Keep affirming that you *do* deserve an abundant and happy life. 'Expect' abundance and goodness in all forms.
Say things like this, "I just know I'm meant to live a powerful life. I believe I have the strength and ability to make my life into anything I want it to be."
If you know you deserve abundance, expect abundance always, and allow yourself to open to abundance - you GET abundance!
Remember that it will probably take some time to get used to these little practices - but I can assure you it's highly worth it!
Keep doing the steps as often as you can, and before long you should find yourself feeling lighter and happier, AND attracting ever-increasing amounts of abundance into your life.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Thought for 2008 ; Pursuit of happiness
"Happiness is essentially a state of going somewhere wholeheartedly, one-directionally, without regret or reservation."
W. H. Sheldon
Can there be a better feeling on earth than when one is blissfully lost in the passionate pursuit of his or her dreams, living an almost fairy tale life literally overflowing with happiness and good cheer? If you have ever been there, with the wind at your back and seemingly on an unstoppable roll, you know how great it feels to be fully energized and ready to take on the world.
At these times, you know and I mean you really know that you are going to make your dreams come true right before your very eyes - not even one if, and or but threatening to rain on your parade. No doubts to cloud your vision, no uncertainties to spoil your day. You know where you are going and absolutely nothing is going to stand in your way. Today is going to be a super sensational day, you just know it.
W. H. Sheldon
Can there be a better feeling on earth than when one is blissfully lost in the passionate pursuit of his or her dreams, living an almost fairy tale life literally overflowing with happiness and good cheer? If you have ever been there, with the wind at your back and seemingly on an unstoppable roll, you know how great it feels to be fully energized and ready to take on the world.
At these times, you know and I mean you really know that you are going to make your dreams come true right before your very eyes - not even one if, and or but threatening to rain on your parade. No doubts to cloud your vision, no uncertainties to spoil your day. You know where you are going and absolutely nothing is going to stand in your way. Today is going to be a super sensational day, you just know it.
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