A genuine consideration and regard for others that makes the group stronger and more resilient.

In science, the term cohesion refers to the mutual attraction of molecules of the same kind, like members from the same team. Cohesive forces create surface tension that naturally resists anxiety, stress, or tension.

Picture a full glass of water. Add more and more drops until it forms a dome-like shape above the rim of the glass—just before it overflows. This dome-like shape forms due to the water molecules’ cohesive properties, or their tendency to stick to one another. When molecules are exposed to air on one side, they have fewer partnering water molecules to connect with and will form stronger connections with the partners they do have. Surface tension causes the water dome to form spherical droplets and allows it to support small objects, like a scrap of paper or a needle, if they are placed carefully on its surface.

With great sadness, I can honestly say that over twenty years of my career, there was only one team I served on that felt genuinely cohesive. It had what many refer to as “spirit.” A holy grail for Human resources, they quantify this quality “high morale.”

Elusive in many organizational cultures, cohesion is that quality where we feel we can lose ourselves in the group for the good of the group (or company). It’s not just that we are willing to help a fellow member of the team; it’s that we are eager to do so. Sacrificing our ability to get ahead so that the group comes along is often a rare event.

When we are willing to do something, we are generally not wholehearted about it. Willingness to do something means we agree to do it. Eagerness to so do something implies some aspect of the task interests, develops or excites us. Being willing to help a team member on a project that doesn’t have the usual level of high visibility is one thing. Actively mentoring them in so that we can learn a new aspect of the business or increase our partnering/sponsorship/coaching and management skills is another thing entirely.

Cohesion is the ultimate expression of interdependence. Just as “spirit” and “morale” emphasize elements of enthusiasm, it also touches on aspects of cooperation. Cooperation makes individuals better. Cohesion makes groups better.

Cohesion is about consideration, respect, and dignity for others. I believe if world leaders had more concern for others, the problems confronting us today might not be as severe. Problems, trouble, and strife will always be present. But if we lived out our consideration and regard for others, most of our problems would probably be more manageable.

If one part suffers, all the parts of the system suffer with it. An abusive member of a family can consume all of their resources (energy, patience, money, time). A toxic leak impacts the ecosystem around it. A few toxic people in a company can stall an organization’s ability to make progress—on anything. Conversely, when we honor one part of a system with consideration and regard, all the parts are valued. Each team member comprises the whole, and each person is a separate and necessary part of it.

PRACTICE

List the groups to which you belong (e.g., church, gym, clubs, community, school, work). What role do you play in each group?
Do your current roles best utilize your spiritual gifts and natural talents?

COMMIT

[ ] I commit myself to find the best avenue for maximizing my contribution as an enthusiastic member of the team and organization in which I serve.

Alongside technical skills, people who can master a range of subjective skills are better able to influence, deal with ambiguity, bounce back from setbacks, think creatively, and manage themselves successfully in their pursuit of mastery. Learn more about applying craft skills in the modern world.