The Thread That Holds Us Together

Unity is the core of any great team. It’s what separates a group of talented individuals from a truly world-class organization.

The best teams don’t just work together—they learn from each other. They listen across departments, sectors, and specialties. They see every conversation as a chance to grow, not just a task to complete.

I’m convinced that what sets great teams apart isn’t just innovation, talent, or even hard work—it is prioritizing a truly unified core. Making a positive difference in the lives of others is too important for silos, egos, or isolated efforts.

The Power of Learning from Each Other

Unity doesn’t mean sameness. It means alignment.
It means recognizing that someone in another department might hold a piece of wisdom that can make your work stronger. It means asking questions, sharing ideas, and being open to learning from every member of the team—whether they report to you or not.

So here’s a question worth asking yourself:

What am I doing to learn and grow from other members of this team—not just those who work directly with me?

A Lesson from the Battlefield

When the Iraq War began, the body armor we wore was simple, lightweight, and easy to use. But it had one major flaw—it couldn’t withstand what the enemy was throwing at us.

That changed with the next generation of armor. The new version was far more complex—over 30 interconnected components weighing more than 30 pounds. But that complexity made it powerful. It could withstand exponentially more than the earlier version.

The most fascinating part? There was a single cord running through the entire system, connecting every piece together. If you pulled that one loop in the center, the armor would fall apart instantly—thirty pieces scattering to the ground.

That cord represents unity.

Without it, the armor—no matter how advanced—was useless. But when the cord held firm, the system could withstand almost anything the enemy sent our way.

Holding the Cord

Great teams are a lot like that armor. Each of us plays a critical role, and our collective strength comes from being held together by something greater than ourselves.

That “cord” might look like trust.
It might sound like honest communication.
It might feel like humility—the willingness to learn from someone else, even when you think you already know the answer.

If we stay connected—if we stay unified—there’s not much we can’t endure or overcome together.

So this week, look for your cord.
Reach across a department, a team, or a role.
Ask someone what they’re learning.
Share something you’ve discovered.
And keep pulling that thread of unity tighter—because it’s what holds us all together.