Leadership Lessons from Bees
Posted on 13th December 2018 at 17:11
Hive; a verb that means to move together as one, like a swarm of bees. Studies show that bees really are supreme when it comes to working as a team. Here are some lessons we can apply to our everyday working lives...
1. Honest communication and sharing information is at the heart of the team
Bees use vibrations and pheromones to help pass complex messages. We have so much technology to help us communicate; let’s not forget that using it with honesty is they key to excellent communication. Fast, efficient communication that is crystal clear is not only motivating and constructive but ensures the hive is focused.
The more people (bees) on board the change initiative, the easier it will be to implement. Change, innovation and engagement are team sports. No role is greater than the other, each is critical to the survival of the hive.
2. Co-operation is the key to success
Though the individuals are small, behaving as a single organism and working to a common goal means that great things can be achieved together. Engaged employees thrive on autonomy within a set of boundaries.
Visit them, talk to them, inspire and encourage them. Too often leaders put their own importance above that of the hive. Leaders should be self-sacrificing, not self-serving.
3. Division of labour and thorough training can be highly efficient
As bees mature, they move through all the jobs in the hive before becoming food gatherers.
This means that they all know how to perform a whole range of jobs and in an emergency situation they can revert to former occupations to lend a hand.
This is the key to enviable flexibility and adaptability.
4. BEE prepared
Bees make honey while the sun shines, they store the extra food when times are good as they know that there may be leaner times around the corner.
Again, this allows flexibility and confidence in tomorrow.
We should constantly be changing and innovating for the future success of the hive (company).
5. The leader is truly the servant of all
We tend to think of the ‘Queen Bee’ as the leader of the hive, sitting regally whilst her workers bring home the nectar. In truth, the queen is the servant of the team, laying the eggs to ensure the future survival of the colony.
It’s the team behaving as one, in pursuit of a common goal which brings success, not a leader laying down the rules. Last but not least, our absolute favourite bee fact is when they perform the Waggle Dance. They think and act as one and create cohesion.
Bees may be able to help leaders in your organisation to embrace some of the ideas featured in this blog.
If you’re interested in creating a BEEspoke conference including learning leadership lessons from bees or you simply would like to explore how BEE Events can bring your own unique vision to life, please get in touch - we’d love to hear from you and create something elxtradorinary!
#BEEinspired #BEEinnovative #BEEengaged #BEEagreatleader
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