 |
KIDS OF CHARACTER 10/12/2009
Cooperation… Life’s Fundamental Motivator One-hundred years ago, at the turn of the 20th century, Henry Ford’s genius idea of the assembly line revolutionized American industry. The assembly line transformed production efficiency by tapping into the theme of cooperation. Ford once wrote, “Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success.” His words provide the insightful exclamation point to his greatest professional achievement! Cooperation, not competition, is life’s fundamental motivator. Cooperation is the principle that drives the progress of individuals, groups and nations. When practiced in our homes, classrooms, athletic fields, offices or community projects, cooperation can be viewed as the essential spice that produces all great accomplishments. Just as a branch cannot sustain itself independent of the vine that carries nutrients from the earth, so, too, human beings cannot sustain their vitality while believing they are an island unto themselves. We do create our most prized results as we work together. Kids learn they get stretched and challenged in the process of working together. They learn a different way to think and act which I call the world of “We.” This “We” world is bigger and more exciting than the one called “Me.” Kids of Character discover the world of “We” from important adult mentors. Kids need to see their adult role models connect and collaborate. A child who rubs shoulders with an adult actively involved in community events, neighborhood actions and family projects will get energized by “We.” A volunteer parent can teach a youngster the fun and challenge of “We” by emphasizing cooperation and teamwork when working and coaching in youth sports. Such action by an adult provides more useful information than does another parent who pursues competition and victory as the summit experience of their relationship with kids. Elementary school youngsters will come to value cooperation in their early years as their mentors demonstrate creative collaborating as a significant character tool for life’s thrilling and fulfilling adventure…“We.”
|
 |