Teamwork Reimagined | Kevin Cahill | TEDxSunValley

Summary

The script recounts the Apollo 13 crisis and other historical events to illustrate the power of 'we-thinking' in overcoming challenges. It emphasizes the importance of a shared aim, teamwork, and collaboration, drawing on the legacy of Dr. W. Edwards Deming, who helped Japan rebuild post-WWII. The speaker, Deming's grandson, shares personal insights and calls for a reimagined approach to teamwork that transcends crises, fostering greater joy and efficiency in our lives and work.

Takeaways

• 🚀 The Apollo 13 mission exemplified the power of teamwork and innovation in crisis, shifting from a moon landing to a survival mission that captivated the world.
• 🌪️ Crises like hurricanes Irma and Harvey often bring out the best in humanity, fostering a sense of 'we thinking' where people work together for the common good.
• 🏗️ Post-crisis, there's a tendency to revert to 'me thinking' and extrinsic motivators like bonuses and performance appraisals, which can reintroduce divisions and barriers.
• 🌐 The concept of 'we thinking' can break down barriers of religion, ethnicity, politics, and other divides, enabling collective action and learning.
• 👴 Dr. W. Edwards Deming's influence on post-WWII Japan demonstrates how a clear aim and constancy of purpose can lead to rapid recovery and economic奇迹.
• 📈 The Japanese economic miracle was not just about individual companies but about a collective effort where companies like Toyota shared resources to rebuild the nation.
• 🤝 The importance of having a shared and clear understanding of an organization's aim was highlighted, as misaligned aims can lead to wasted effort and resources.
• 🌟 The speaker, as Dr. Deming's grandson, emphasizes the legacy of intrinsic teamwork and the aim-driven approach that can lead to greater joy and success in life and work.
• 🛌 The story of 'Mattress Mac' during Hurricane Harvey illustrates the power of 'we thinking' in action, where he opened his business to shelter those in need, embodying the spirit of community and collaboration.
• 🛣️ The rebuilding of post-war Japan was not just about individual success but about a collective effort where businesses collaborated for the greater good of the society.

Q & A

What was the critical situation faced by the Apollo 13 mission on April 13th, 1970?

The Apollo 13 mission faced a survival crisis when they encountered a problem during their mission, which shifted their focus from a moon landing to ensuring the astronauts' safe return to Earth.

How did the Apollo 13 crisis capture the world's attention?

The crisis captivated the world as people were glued to the news, hoping and praying for a solution that would enable the astronauts to return safely to Earth.

What is the significance of 'we thinking' in times of crisis?

'We thinking' refers to the collective mindset where people work together for the common good, breaking down barriers and divides, which is often seen during crises but is suggested to be beneficial in everyday life as well.

What role did Dr. W. Edwards Deming play in the economic recovery of Japan post-World War II?

Dr. W. Edwards Deming, an American statistician, was invited to help rebuild Japan's economy after World War II. His teachings and methodologies were instrumental in what is known as the Japanese economic miracle.

How did Dr. Deming's approach differ from the prevailing methods during Japan's recovery?

Dr. Deming advocated for a different approach, emphasizing the need for a constancy of purpose and a systemic view that went beyond immediate crises, focusing on long-term improvement and collaboration.

What is the importance of having a clear and shared aim in a team or organization?

A clear and shared aim is crucial as it provides a common goal that everyone can rally around, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring that all efforts are directed towards a unified objective.

Why did the speaker's grandfather emphasize the importance of 'we thinking' in reducing waste and frustration?

The speaker's grandfather, Dr. Deming, believed that 'we thinking' fosters collaboration, which in turn reduces waste and frustration by aligning efforts towards a common aim, thus enhancing efficiency and effectiveness.

What example did the speaker provide to illustrate the power of 'we thinking' in a business context?

The speaker mentioned the example of Toyota, which not only focused on its own production system but also contributed to rebuilding Japan's infrastructure, understanding the importance of collaboration for the greater good.

How did Jim McIngvale, the owner of a furniture store, demonstrate 'we thinking' during Hurricane Harvey?

Jim McIngvale opened his furniture stores as shelters during Hurricane Harvey, providing food, water, and a place to sleep for those affected by the hurricane, showcasing a selfless and community-focused approach.

What is the main takeaway from the speaker's story about starting a company with a clear aim?

The main takeaway is the importance of ensuring that all members of an organization have a shared and clear understanding of the aim to prevent wasted effort, time, and resources due to misaligned goals.

What is the speaker's call to action for individuals and organizations?

The speaker encourages individuals and organizations to embrace 'we thinking' and to define a clear aim that everyone can rally around, fostering collaboration and reducing divides.