Highly successful companies understand that having highly functional and motivated teams is a critical factor for success. These companies invest heavily in culture, relationships, alignment, resources, clear expectations, empowerment, and making sure all the people are in the right place. This weekend, I experienced a profound example of this success in my community that included all these elements. It cost nothing and I want to share it because it outlines success.
The Story
I participated in a firewood stacking party to help a family dealing with illness prepare for winter. We arrived at a “hill” of over 30 cords of wood. That is over 3,840 cubic feet/105 cubic meters. At first, it seemed like an astronomical task for our crew (many of which were seniors), but we noted how the weather was in our favor and put some familiar music on. Everyone found their role with initial support from an organizer.
A group of us started filling wheel barrels with logs. Some of those with less strength joined together to split the distance bucket-brigade style. When that was full, someone brought the barrel to people who would stack it. Another person would bring us an empty barrel. Children would grab the logs that fell down the sides. After a time, we would run out of logs that were easy to grab. If we pulled the wrong one, more would tumble like a Jenga failure, and cause a dangerous situation. So periodically, someone would climb the pile to do a controlled release. As we got further in, debris was obstructing our path, and someone would step in with a rake to clear it.
One of our seniors stood back to cheer us on and learned that her perspective exposed inefficiencies and dangers we couldn’t see on the front lines. She started to make suggestions and promote awareness. As a result, we all started to vocalize more and be mindful of our surroundings to the extent that someone caught me when I slipped. When someone left, we naturally shifted around. Likewise, when someone joined, we naturally helped them acclimate. We were in great spirits.
As we grew tired, the family brought us water, encouraged us to take breaks, and to eat the food they prepared. They kept expressing their gratitude, and it was heartfelt. Their appreciation and knowing we were making a difference motivated us to keep going, log by log. At some point, someone said, “I can see the shed behind the pile!” and we continued to celebrate these small milestones.
At one point, we lost our primary “stackers” and lost momentum, but recovered over time as people shifted and adjusted into those roles and as reinforcements came in.
The Magic Formula:
· Clearly defined organizational goal that provided value
· Comfortable working conditions and resources
· Appropriate staffing levels
· Organization of team members
· Caring attitudes
· Everyone committed to invest their best effort
· Empowerment and trust
· Safety culture
· Visibility of progress
· Deliberately expressed gratitude
The Result
We did it – together. Our success was entirely based on the way this group of strangers came together as a team with the right working conditions and support. We weren’t in it to win; it wasn’t a race or a game. Instead, we were there to succeed, motivated by the knowledge that we were helping a family. We kept each other going, kept each other safe, and instinctively stepped up when we saw a bottleneck we could correct. Of course, we couldn’t have done it in the wrong weather. If it rained as it had a few days before and after, we would’ve been uncomfortable, tiring quickly, with an increase of hazards and fewer volunteers. Additionally, I was told that stacking wet tightly harbors the growth of mold, which could become a health hazard down the road.
Seeing photos of the wood fully stacked in and outside of the shed, and again, hearing the impact to the family filled us with a sense of accomplishment and appreciation. We are proud. We would do it again.
Britni Fortin 